Irene Harper Killingsworth

 Leona Irene Harper Killingsworth passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024 surrounded by family.

Irene was born on July 15, 1933, in Lumberton, MS to Thomas and Ella Harper. She embodied strength and determination from a young age. At just 16 years old, she began traveling and evangelizing alongside her sister Shirley and friend Melanie Stringer. Together, they ministered through preaching, singing, and music. In 1949, at the age of 17, Irene made history as one of the first women to be licensed by the United Pentecostal Church International in Mississippi.

The rest of her story cannot be told without including a handsome, blue-eyed man, Charles Edward “Buddy” Killingsworth. The couple married in September of 1951 after 22 months of courtship. Shortly after, Buddy served in the Korean War, where he received his call to preach. Upon his return, the couple began a relentless evangelistic ministry, preaching every day for 16 months. In 1956, Irene and Buddy accepted the call to pastor what is now Woodlawn in Columbia, MS, witnessing significant revival during their six years there. Their ministry expanded to include Mt. Pisgah and Cleveland Pentecostal Church, all while raising their three children: Donnis, Donald, and Derrick. Though Irene believed Cleveland would be their final home, God had other plans, directing them back to the Gulf Coast.

In 1971, they established the United Pentecostal Church in Gautier, now known as Turning Point UPC, where they faithfully served for many years. Irene’s devotion to God, her church, and her family was unwavering. Through every chapter of her life, she was a prayer warrior, a source of wisdom, and a steady presence in her community.

Standing just 4'8", Irene’s small frame never hindered her from making an immense impact. She was a leader, teacher, and protector who cared deeply for those around her. Irene or “Rene” as she was affectionately named by her first grandchild was a jokester and loved to laugh. She was a caregiver and mother to many along the way. Irene saw the beauty of nature and God’s creation like no other, and was always willing to help those in need. She was steel and velvet wrapped into one small package, outspoken and matter of fact but yet soft, tender and humble. Until the very end, although, weak in body she was still encouraging and helping others.  As a prayer warrior, she covered her family and church with prayers that will echo for generations.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. C. E. Killingsworth; her parents, Thomas and Ella Harper; siblings R.B. Harper, Thomas Lavelle Harper, Bonnie Jean Hays, Inez Reynolds, and Earline Dobbs (Bang); special niece and nephew Debra Ann and Dennis Killingsworth; granddaughter-in-law Ashley Killingsworth; and great-grandchild Bella Irene Ward.

Irene is survived by her children, Donnis Ely of Gautier, MS, Donald Killingsworth (Christine) of Helena, MS, and Rev. Derrick Killingsworth (Teresa) of Gautier, MS; special daughter-in-law Ginger Killingsworth; sister Shirley Harris of Gautier, MS; grandchildren Marvin Ely, Amanda Wallace (Jerry), Charles Killingsworth (Alisa), Sara Pope (Jason), Greta Guthans (Josh), Mikel Ely (J’Leigh), Rachael Ward (Josh), Brent Killingsworth (Lauren), Jerry Killingsworth (Mara), Josh Killingsworth, and A’livia Williams (Bradlee); 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a host of family members, her Turning Point family and countless friends she considered family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 9 at The Sanctuary Church in Pascagoula from 4-6 PM, with the funeral service following at 6 PM. Irene will be laid to rest beside her soulmate at Machpelah Cemetery.    The procession to the cemetery will meet at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Tuesday at 9:30 am.

Mom, Rene, First Lady, Rener Beaner, Mrs. K, we will meet you in the morning, just inside the Eastern Gate.

Memories can be shared at www.obryantokeefe.com

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