Carrie Mae Irby

Carrie Mae Irby, 78, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023, at Brown Health and Rehabilitation in Statesboro.  Services to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00PM Monday, October 23, 2023 with the Reverends Robert Webb and Bill Brooks officiating.  Interment will follow in the Wrens Memorial Gardens cemetery.

Born in Wrens to the late Sallie Lou Gay Newsome and the late George Thomas "Shot" Newsome, Carrie grew up and attended schools in Wrens and Avera.  She married at the age of 18 and started her family, making her home in Wrens and then four years later moving to Wadley.  Carrie was always known for her industrious nature and strong work ethic. Throughout her life, she held various jobs including positions at Stapleton Garment, Wadley Shirt Factory, Thermo King, and Forstmann. After relocating to Macon in 2005, Carrie joined the team at Webb Waste, retiring in 2015 and moving to Newington to be closer to her only daughter, Darlene.

While living in Macon, Carrie accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and actively served Him at Calvary Community Church.  She was highly involved in many of their various ministries.

Described as serious-minded and someone who cherished her "alone" time, Carrie also found joy in the company of loved ones. She enjoyed spending time with family members and loved family get-togethers.

In her leisure time, Carrie had several hobbies that brought her immense joy. She had a fondness for fishing and could often be found by the water with a fishing rod in hand. Additionally, she took great pride in tending to her yard and nurturing beautiful flowers that adorned her home. Cooking was another passion of hers—family members will forever remember her delicious 14-layer chocolate cake that became synonymous with gatherings.

Carrie will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Newsome.  Carrie will be lovingly remembered by those closest to her including her daughter, Darlene Austin (Gene); grandchildren, Brannen Austin (Amy), and Gina Austin Ergle (Eric); great-grandchildren, Lily Ergle, Laynee Ergle, Cooper Austin, and Daughton Brogdon; and her brother, Emory Newsome (Phyllis).  Serving as pallbearers will be Brannen Austin, Daughton Brogdon, Eric Ergle, Marty Connell, L.J. Keel and Adam Austin.

Carrie’s passing leaves a void in the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her love for family and passion for life will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to us all.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 1:30PM – 3:00PM Monday, October 23, 2023 prior to the funeral service.