On June 2, 1944, Johnny Blair and Mable Coleman Blair became the proud parents of a baby girl they named Irene. Irene attended Southside School, where she remained until graduation.

On June 2, 1965, Irene married the love of her life, Virgil Prinkleton Sr. To this union, three children were born: Virgil Jr., Jeffery, and Michelle.

After becoming a resident of Lynch, Kentucky, Irene joined First Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member. After the church was destroyed by fire, she became a faithful member of Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, where she remained active in missionary work, served as a deaconess, participated on the usher board, and was involved with the "I Am Woman" ministry in the Mt. Sinai Association of the London District.

Irene was also an active member of the Order of Eastern Star, the Elks, the Red Hatters, Harlan County Christian Women, and EKSC. She was employed by SEKRI, where she later retired.

Irene entered her Heavenly home on March 27, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Prinkleton Sr.; her parents, Johnny and Mable Blair; three brothers, Johnny Blair Jr., Robert Blair, and Ankrum Blair; and two sisters, Mary Ann Gaymon and Grace Livingston.

Irene leaves to cherish her memory her children: Virgil Prinkleton Jr., Jeffery Prinkleton (Heather), and Michelle Gregory (Garrett); her sister, Mabel Andrews (Sammie); and her grandchildren: D'Sean Prinkleton, Joshua Gregory, Madison Chandler, Gregory McLin Jr., Jayden McLin, and Jeremiah McLin. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Lynn Livingston, Felix Prinkleton, Wilbert Prinkleton Sr. (Miye) and Victor Prinkleton; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

The family of Irene would like to thank everyone who supported and helped them during this time.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Lynch at 10:00 am, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 am. The Reverend Ronnie Hampton will officiate.

Burial will take place at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Irene Prinkleton.