Irene Juanita Saucer

Irene Juanita Saucer was born January 10, 1928 in Camp Hill, Alabama to Dessie and Katherline Echols. She departed this life on January 12, 2017.

She attended Lincoln High School where she graduated June 1946. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She later received a Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.

William and Irene were married September 1, 1951; they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Irene began her career in education at Carver Community Center as a youth director. She then went on to teach at Stanley Hall Elementary School, Evans Elementary School, and later retired from Dexter Elementary School. She was very active in the Evansville Retired Teachers Association and the Rho chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa. She was part of many other community organizations.

Irene became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated March 1967. She has been a very active member with her chapter, Zeta Zeta Omega. Over the years, she has served numerous positions within the chapter. She cherished time with her sorors and regularly attended chapter meetings, events, and sisterly gatherings.

Irene was a member of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church for over fifty years and later joined Nazarene Missionary Baptist church. She was on the Mothers’ Board, Rock of Ages, and Circle Faith. Both Irene and her husband volunteered with Boom Squad for a number of years. She also volunteered at Evansville Day School’s festivals.

Irene never met a stranger. She had a host of close friends that she routinely enjoyed outings with throughout the week. She enjoyed the company of her family, friends, sorors, church members, and former co-workers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dessie and Katherline Echols; and brothers, Tedow and Bedow Echols.
Irene is survived by her husband, William Saucer, and two daughters: Anita Upchurch (special friend, Charlie Stroman) and Sharon Saucer-Brown (husband Greg Brown). Irene had four grandchildren: Laura Upchurch-Johnson (husband Robert Johnson), William Saucer II, Loren Henderson, and Destiny Williams. Irene also has a sister, Wylene Morse, and sister-in-law, Barbara Packo. She is also survived by a nephew and numerous nieces.

Services are Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church: 867 E. Walnut St, Evansville, Indiana. Visitation is from 10am to noon. The homegoing service will begin at noon. Entombment at Oak Hill Mausoleum. Mason Brothers Memorial Chapel is in charge. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfs.com