J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Birdsong, Iris W.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Iris Wooldridge Birdsong, age 70, of Chesterfield, VA passed away on Monday, December 18, 2006. She was born in Altavista, VA the daughter of the late Edgar M. Wooldridge and Mary Dudley. She was also preceded in death by a son, Wesley Birdsong. Mrs. Birdsong was a member of the Chester United Methodist Church for 11 years. She had previously been a member and employee of Chester Baptist Church for 20 years and did volunteer work with various organizations. She worked as a secretary and assistant to the president of John Tyler Community College for 15 years and with the Chesterfield County School Board as an administrative assistant to the Director of Community Relations for 10 years. She is survived by her loving husband Raymond Birdsong; four sons, Mike Barbour of Hopewell, VA, Matt Barbour, Steve Barbour and Scott Barbour, all of Chesterfield; one daughter, Michelle Birdsong of Chesterfield; three grandchildren, Melissa Barbour, Amy Barbour and Ben Barbour; one sister, Doris Hutchinson of Midlothian, VA; a niece, Sharon Quigley of Chester, VA; and a nephew, JR Long of Mechanicsville, VA. The family will receive friends at the Chesterfield Chapel of J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home and Cremation service on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will follow there on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Virginia, Northern VA Area Office, 9221 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, VA 23235. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

Dear Family,

I worked with Iris for many years at John Tyler and thought she was always such a special lady. She always had a smile for everyone. I am so sorry for your loss and for all those who knew and loved her.

Posted by: Ruth H at December 20, 2006 01:53 PM

Raymond,
We want you to know how very sorry we are for your loss. We have been thinking of you and have you in our prayers. Call on your friends because we will be willing to help you in any way we can.

Posted by: Luby, Hugh and Joan at December 20, 2006 09:56 AM

To Iris' family and friends, and especially Raymond and Michelle and her boys, Mike and I offer our sincere condolences. I remember at Iris' mother's funeral the playing of "I'll Fly Away." There can be no doubt that Iris has flown away to one of the most prominent spots in heaven because that is just how good she was, the best, and how selfless.

As a work colleague in Chesterfield Schools for ten years, Iris and I experienced many things together. I always said she had the skills to be administrative assistant to the president of the United States. Her spelling and proofreading skills were top notch, although I never could believe that she lost the Central Office spelling bee. I think it was because she wore boxing garb, complete with head gear, to represent the Community Relations Department, and she could not properly hear the words! Her people skills were extraordinary, her manner with friends and strangers impeccable, and her advice always wise and on target.

Iris was more than a work colleague, however. She was a dear friend to many of us, and a special supporter and confidante to me. We laughed together often, and we all shall miss her dearly. In the weeks ahead, Iris's Chesterfield Schools family will be here to support you, Raymond, and the family.

Posted by: Judy Davis at December 20, 2006 08:11 AM