Viola Irene Hammons

Viola Irene Hammons, 96, of Warren, MI, formerly of Corbin, passed away Thursday, August 30, 2018, after a brief illness.

Irene was born July 10, 1922, to the late Gertie Wells and Robert “Bob” Jones in Knox County, KY.

Her beloved husband, Rulus Hammons, brothers Joe and Junior Jones, granddaughter Shannon Smith, and great-grandson Joshua Raglin all preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Smith; siblings: Ruby Jean, Grace, Mamie, Mary Alice, Earl, Howard, and Jim; her grandson Steve Bargo, whom she raised as a son; and grandchildren Bridget, Ginger, Cyndi, Ranee, Rick, Star, Jimmy, and Mike; 18 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, as well as several dear friends.

Irene (or Granny, as she insisted many call her), was loved by all who knew her.

Irene was a “Rosie the Riveter,” spending her first few decades in Detroit producing parts for the automotive industry, as well as for the war effort. She was remarkably independent and filled her years with many adventures. She loved to travel to Corbin as much as she could, and also spent time enjoying the company of her great-great-grandchildren in Michigan. Irene had a great memory and would often tell stories of when she was a little girl growing up with her Granny Wells.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, in the Hart Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will follow in Resthaven Cemetery in Corbin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in the memory of Irene Hammons to the National MS Society.

Hart Funeral Home of Corbin is in charge of the arrangements, where messages of condolence may be left at www.hartfhcorbin.com.