Service
Mrs. Minnie Ruth Irving Morman, age 89 of McDonough, GA died January 16, 2017 at Piedmont Henry in Stockbridge, GA. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 21, 2017 at St. Mark MB Church at 10:00 a.m., 704 Cemetery Road, Edwards, MS. Visitation will be Friday January 20, 2017 from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Willis and Sons Funeral Home, 5235 Robinson Road Ext, Jackson, MS.
Obituary
Minnie Ruth Irving Morman (the first child of seven) was born November 27, 1927, to the union of the late Reverend Roswell "Jack" Irving, Sr. and Marie Donaldson Irving in Edwards, Mississippi. Minnie was affectionately known by multiple names, "Big Sister", Mama, Ma, Mama Minnie, Great Grandma, and Miss Minnie. And because of her stylish fashions, her mother also called her, the "President's Wife".
Minnie was baptized into the family of Christ at an early age. She graduated from Southern Christian Institute (SCI) in Edward Mississippi. Shortly, after graduating from SCI, Junior College, Minnie migrated to the Midwest, the "Big City", Chicago, pursuing a career in fashion. In the mid 50's, Minnie studied Catholicism, and after completing catechism classes in 1956, Minnie was baptized Catholic at Holy Cross Catholic Church where she faithfully served as a member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary and activities. Continuing in fashion, she was employed by Rubens & Marble, a manufacturer of infant clothing, where she worked for many years, while also attending cosmetology and business school. She started her own part time in home beauty shop. She offered custom hair styles, custom design hats for ladies, and fine jewelry.
Minnie loved modeling and modeled in fashion shows throughout the Chicago-land Area and in Gary, Indiana. Because of her great love of people and commitment to helping others, she began her career with the City of Chicago in the Department of Human Service and studied Social Work. In her employment with the city she worked in several diverse communities resolving injustices and social needs especially children, where she worked for many years, while also attending cosmetology and business school. She started her own part time in home beauty shop. She offered custom hair styles, custom design hats for ladies, and fine jewelry.
Minnie enjoyed life and always did it her way, go go go. Everyone who knew her, knows she loved shopping, wearing colorful stylist hats, photography (see the smile) and enjoyed her Chicago sports teams via radio, television or in the ballpark stadiums, Minnie stayed tuned in. In 2013 after experiencing many health challenges and Chicago housing issues, she and her cat ZeZe (the last of her four cats), relocated to Georgia and continued her love of travel by becoming active with the Hidden Valley Senior Citizen Center. Minnie traveled to many local southeast attractions, restaurants, shopping centers and even joined the Red Hat Society. Minnie in her late 80's, often said, "Georgia is to slow for me!"
Still with a contagious smile on her face, she departed this life on Monday, January 16, 2017. She was preceded in death by her Father and Mother Revered Roswell "Jack" Irving, Sr., and Marie Irving, two brothers, Roswell Irving, Jr., Embry Irving and her youngest son Marvin "Squeakie" R. Irving.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory: one son, Norman R. (Stella) Irving; two grandchildren, Torri (Jesse) Jacobus and Norman W. Irving; three great grandchildren, Alexander, Sebastian and Camille Jacobus; three sisters, Luella I. Williamson, Velma Frizzell, and Roberta Taylor; one brother, Dr. William Irving; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.