Irene Hollingsworth

Irene Hollingsworth was born on January 7, 1921, in Oakley, Kansas to her parents, Alfred H. Tinsley and Anna L. Wheeler Tinsley. She was the youngest of eight children born in the family. As a child, Irene loved to spend time with her mother who was called a "strong pioneer woman." She stayed close to her mother's skirt tail and as a result, she learned to cook and sew. Irene received her formal education by attending the Oakley Consolidated Schools (OCS) where her mother was instrumental in consolidating the City of Oakley School District. While in school, Irene and her sister were called the "Tinsley Girls." The family came to what was called "The Prairie" traveling through Georgia and Kentucky. Upon arriving, they received their "forty acres and a mule" and began farming. The family eventually relocated to Denver and Irene graduated from Manual High School. Many of the family members were teachers. Two outstanding examples were Aunt Ida and Aunt Florence. They utilized their health and talents for the good of the entire family. They were known and respected for their resourcefulness, sharing food, clothing, and anything else needed for survival. The winters were hard and Irene recalls taking part in the vital task of killing, cleaning and salting the hogs. They would move from one family's home to another until every household had enough cured meat to last through the winter. Irene's Uncle Owen was another family member who was resourceful. He built a two story home which was not heard of for newcomers; most homes were dug out of the side of hills. Irene met and later married, Benjamin Franklin Hollingsworth. They first met when they both lived in Denver. They were the proud parents of six beautiful children and raised one grandchild. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. Ben and Irene were business entrepreneurs who owned and operated their own business for twenty years. They also built several homes in the Denver metro area. In the mid 1970's, after learning of the Bibles hope that "there will be a resurrection" of the dead; Irene made the personal decision to study the bible. She was baptized as of one of Jehovah's Witnesses. The teachings were deeply rooted in her heart and she certainly spread the teachings to her family and others who came in contact with her. Irene will be remembered as a loving mother, capable wife, and an outstanding and precious grandmother. She has always looked forward to the time she would be able to use her energy to the fullest, expressing her love for others without limitations forever on God's paradise earth. Irene was preceded in death by her son, Fredrick Earl Hollingsworth; her father, Alfred Horace Tinsley; her mother, Anna Louise Tinsley; her siblings, Willie Tinsley, Oren Tinsley, Leola Hurst, Jack Tinsley, Frank Tinsley, and Ruth Campbell; and her sons in law, Louis F. Stent and Barry F. Lorez. Irene Hollingsworth departed this life on April 23, 2014, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Doug (Caroline) Hollingsworth, Leslie Stent, Lynn (Ben) Choice, Duane Hollingsworth and Michelle Lorez; her sister, Genevieve Clark, who is 105 years old; her grandchildren, Rachele, Eric, Kimberly, Shawn, Dawn, Dione, Lathon, Elden, Myelin, Peter, Anthony, Mark, Duane C., Onay, Eli, CeCe, Rafael, and Misha; and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 4/29/2014 at 10:00 AM - Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness - 10081 E. 25th Ave. , CO
Service: 4/29/2014 at 11:00 AM - Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness - 10081 E 25th Ave. , CO
Cemetery: 4/29/2014 - Highland Cemetery - Denver, CO