Irene Bynum

Irene Gladden Elston Bynum, a devoted mother and grandmother, was born on Valentine's Day in 1939, in Anniston, Alabama to the late Theodore and Gertrude Gladden. Irene was a woman of faith who truly loved the Lord. She united with Mount Liberty Baptist Church at an early age and remained a lifelong and faithful member until she was unable to attend church due to her health. Over the many years she was active at church, she served on the Kitchen Committee, sang in the choir, and was a member of the matrons. It was evident that her family loved her. She was honored in church as Mother of the Year in 2009. Irene was a longtime employee in the cafeteria of Wellborn Elementary School which allowed her to be near her children. Irene, affectionately known as Rena, was blessed twice in marriage. Rena and her first husband, Eunice Elston, welcomed six children to the world: Franklin, Sarina, Vanessa, Sonya, Cynthia, and Maria. Later in life, she met her second husband, William Bynum, Sr. and on February 12, 1994, they were united in holy matrimony. Together, Rena and William shared their love with their blended family of nine children. Irene, an avid Atlanta Braves fan, was dedicated to raising, nurturing, and supporting her children and grandchildren. She prayed with them and over them. Her door was always open, no matter the time, day or night. She was the biggest, loudest, and proudest person of their accomplishments. She would attend every event of her children and grandchildren, cheering louder than anyone else. She would often volunteer to be a chaperone on trips. She was a troop leader when her daughters were girl scouts. Irene was a fierce protector of her children, always standing up for them and being their greatest advocate. Although she was not tall in stature, when defending her children, she stood tall and firm. She went above and beyond to make her children and grandchildren feel loved and cherished. She loved all her children but the men in her family held a special place in her heart. On Friday, October 18, 2024, Irene "Rena" Bynum, took her faithful friend, Jesus, by the hand and entered eternal rest. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Bynum, Sr.; parents, Theodore and Gertrude Gladden; children, Cynthia Elston, Maria Elston, and William Bynum, Jr.; brothers, Oscar Lee Gladden, Theodore Gladden, and Willie C. Gladden; and sisters, Odessa Groce and Francis Bynum. Those left to cherish her loving memory are her son, Franklin (Linda) Elston; daughters, Sarina Elston, Vanessa (Allen) Perkins, Sonya Elston, Carolyn Bouttry, and Kathy Bynum; grandchildren, Tavares, Shajuana, Anitra, Detrick, Antonio, Vernee, Kenyata, Toryen, Vanesha, Dewarte, Shanardo, Kiaro, Iesha, Davares, Deontae, Tierra, Janae, William III, and Nigel; 46 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren; 10 great-great-great grandchildren; brother, Melvin (Veronica) Bynum, Jr.; and a host of other relatives and friends. Though she may have departed this world, Irene's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Let us cherish the memories we shared and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.

Tributes

Irene Bynum

February 14, 1939 - October 18, 2024