Irene Wilkins

Irene (Baldwin) Wilkins, age 99, of Fountaintown, passed away peacefully in her home on June 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 11, 1925, in Terre Haute, the daughter of Edward “Ted” and Letha (Russell) Baldwin. They moved to St. Paul where her father taught school and served as principal. Irene shared many wonderful memories of growing up and playing with her younger brother Bill. She graduated from Moral Township High School, and it was there she met a handsome young man who became the love of her life. On June 23, 1943, she married Ray R. Wilkins and they were married for 73 wonderful years. He preceded her in death on April 28, 2017, at the age of 96.

Ray was a farmer and Irene loved helping him on the farm. She loved her community, neighbors, church family and friends and held them close to her heart, praying daily for those who were sick or struggling. She volunteered for Scuffy, drove cancer patients to their appointments, and made hundreds of tiny baby clothes and blankets for preemie babies. Irene was formerly a member of the Carrollton United Methodist Church, and later became a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church. She was always very active in her church and helped organize and facilitate many church functions over the years, as well as teaching Sunday school classes.   She enjoyed crocheting, working crossword puzzles, bowling, playing cards and square dancing.

Irene was extremely generous, very loving, empathetic and selfless; always putting Jesus and her devotions first in her day. She was of such strong character and a faithful teacher of life to us all. She was a devoted Mother who taught her three daughters the love for music, animals and life on the farm. She is the heart and soul of our entire family, and we all love and adore her very much. She will be greatly missed and cherished in our hearts forever.

Irene is survived by her daughters, Judy Lynn Pauls and husband, Jerry, of Wanamaker, and Joy Luan Henson of Fishers; grandchildren, Tony Wray Titus and wife, Teresa, Leigh Ann Smith and husband, Kerry, Ricky Jay Henson and wife, Marie, and Lori Lynn Shelton; great-grandchildren, Desiree, Levi, TJ, Joe, Riley, Walker, Braeden, Branson, Danielle, Allison, Taylor, Andrea, Jeannette, Joe, Seth, Cash, Katie and Julia; several great-great-grandchildren; niece, Leslie Baldwin of Florida; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.In addition to Ray, 

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Janet Lee Wilkins Titus; brother, Dr. William Baldwin and his wife, Honey; grandson, Stephen Ray Henson; and niece, Linda Baldwin Smith.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Pleasant View Baptist Church, 12442 Southeastern Avenue, in Acton. Funeral services will follow at 1 pm, Wednesday, at the church, with Pastor Mark Kern officiating.Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.Memorial contributions may be made to SCUFFY, 126 N. Harrison St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176; Pleasant View Baptist Church, 12442 Southeastern Avenue, Acton, Indiana 46259, Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176; or Cure JM, PO  Box 45768, Baltimore, Maryland, 21297.Online condolences may be shared with Irene’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.