Irma was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and breast cancer survivor. Our beloved mother departed this earthly realm on September 4, 2025, at the age of 97. Her devotion to family was evident in her daily actions, whether it was cooking delicious meals in her kitchen or imparting wisdom to her children and grandchildren. She was the heart and soul of the family, filling many lives with joy, an abundance of love, compassion, and laughter. Irma loved performing her favorite dances, "the truck" and "the camel walk," for her children and other family members.

Irma was born on April 8, 1928, in Sardis, Alabama. She was the seventh of ten children born to William and Mary Peterson. She graduated from Berlin High School where she was the salutatorian of the senior class.  She was also a standout player on the girls' basketball team. After graduation, she attended Tuskegee Institute, where she aspired to become a nurse. Her dreams were cut short due to illness.

Irma later moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where she met her husband, Benjamin Childress, Sr., who preceded her in death. During their 55 years of marriage, they had five children: Ellen, Roderick, Reginald, Venice, and Benjamin. She lived to see all five of her children reach adulthood and succeed in their respective careers.

She always had a positive outlook on life. Although she was in constant pain from arthritis and would sometimes say, "Getting old is such an inconvenience," but when asked her how she was doing, her reply was always, "I'm fine as a bottle of wine." At 86 years old, after being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing surgery to remove the tumor, she informed her oncologist that she would not undergo chemotherapy and did not wish to know her prognosis. She lived for eleven more years following her diagnosis.

She was a devout member of First Ebenezer Baptist Church and loved fellowshipping with her church family. She also enjoyed cooking and preparing whatever dish was asked of her, for various church activities. Earlier this year, she was honored as one of the oldest members of her church.

Irma worked as a teacher's aide at a daycare and as a nurse's assistant at Mary Lewis Convalescent Nursing Home. She was also very active with the PTA when her children attended elementary school.

She had a passion for cooking and supporting others. As a loving and dedicated caregiver, she routinely assisted neighbors that were unable to manage daily tasks by washing, ironing, and preparing meals for them. Family members and friends could rely on her hospitality, always finding a well-prepared meal upon visiting her home, where abundant food was consistently available for all.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Venice Smiley; her parents; and seven siblings.

Irma is survived by her children: Ellen Bonner (Alfred), Roderick Childress (Beverly), Reginald Childress, and Benjamin Childress, Jr. (Gina); grandchildren: Marcus Bonner, Marius Bonner, Devan Williams (Jeffery), Nathan Childress, Reginald D. Childress, Classie Childress, Laureal Childress, Benjamin Childress, and  Hunter McPherson; sisters: Gladys Shepherd and Grace Shannon; brother-in-law: Eugene Childress; and sister-in-law: Mary Louise Childress. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Throughout her lifetime, she was the epitome of a virtuous woman, displaying the characteristics of courage, wisdom, devotion, dignity, patience, diligence, and generosity.