Irene Mitchell Stevens, age 95 years, climbed the stairway to heaven in the pre-dawn hours of July 10, 2017 at Greenbriar Nursing Center in D’Iberville, Mississippi.
Irene lived her entire life on her beloved Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was a Gulfport High School graduate and a founding member of Biloxi’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, along with the love of her life, her husband of fifty-two years, Gus Stevens, who died in 1998.
Born in a still standing shotgun house on 29th Avenue in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Helen and John Mitchell, Irene described her childhood as idyllic. Her cherished brother, Mike, and her adoring parents, predeceased her.
Irene is survived by her three children, daughter, Elaine Stevens (Jim Smith), Biloxi, MS.; daughter, Kathy Roberts, (Robin), Mobile, AL; son, Stephen Stevens, Panama City Beach, FL. She was “Yaya” to her grandchildren, Angela Lathrop (Simon), Stillwater, OK; Chris Strompolos (Monica Rodriquez), Los Angeles, CA; Jennifer Dominescy (Jere), Mobile, AL; Alexa Roberts (Melissa Robertson), Mobile, AL; “Big Yaya” to great-grandchildren, Diana Strompolos and Jonah Dominescy. “Iboo” to nieces Stephanie Stevens, Ellie Hales (Eddie), Julie Smith-Vanez, (George) and nephews, Steve Stevens, John Mitchell (Diana) and Charles Mitchell (Joy); and many grand, great-grand, and great-great grand nieces and nephews, thanks to the Mitchell clan! Irene’s ten-pound terrier mix, Dotsey, now living with daughter Elaine, remains a living testament to Irene’s undying love for animals.
Though reared by strict Greek parents, the attractive brunette managed to attract a long string of suitors before meeting the one and only man who claimed her womanhood, Gus Stevens. They met as Irene raised funds for the Greek War Relief and married within a year on October 27, 1946. “There was never a dull moment with my little Gus!” she said as she took great pride in his numerous accomplishments and those of her three children.
Never one for playing bridge or holding coffee klatches, Irene preferred to work faithfully at Gus’s side during various incarnations of his restaurants and nightclubs throughout their marriage. Mother first and foremost to her three children, Irene was a constant in their lives as she opened their minds and hearts to after school activities, like dreaded Greek lessons, piano, ballet, movies, glamour, and above all else, love and laughter.
Whether on board their Blue Dolphin yacht with Gus and celebrities, or at their farm, Rainbow Ranch, watching the children ride horses, Irene was the glue that held the Stevens family together. A superlative hostess, Irene had a smile for everyone. Famous stars appearing on stage, the chefs in the kitchen, the wait staff in the dining room, and her customers at her successful gift shop in the lobby of Gus Stevens Restaurant & Supper Club all reaped the sparkle of her outgoing personality. Irene’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to thrive in her golden years. Yaya Irene’s Greek Salad Dressing hit the market in 2002. “Shake what your Yaya gave you!” became her slogan. A devout Orthodox Christian Irene donated money, time, and talent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the Ladies of Agape auxiliary.
Known for her impeccable sense of style and grace and her love of Clark Gable films, Irene Mitchell Stevens will forever be remembered for her feisty spirit, sense of humor, inner beauty, and Irene sayings, the most famous of which is “Love passionately and laugh out loud.”
The Stevens Family extends their love and gratitude to Elaine Burnham and Peggy Myers, the many caregivers of PRN Home Care, Dr. Paul Mullen, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Brookdale Living Center, Boyington Health and Rehabilitation Center, Kindred Hospice, and the exceptional staff at Greenbriar Nursing Center for their compassionate care.
Services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 255 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS at 11am. Friends may visit one hour prior.
Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park, Biloxi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
REFERENCES :
The Daily Herald, 'Kouvarakis-Mitchell', October 30, 1946, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Train kills man', November 26, 1946, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Mitchell funeral to be held Friday', November 27, 1946, p. 5.
The Sun Herald, 'Irene M. Stevens', July 14, 2017.
Irene lived her entire life on her beloved Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was a Gulfport High School graduate and a founding member of Biloxi’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, along with the love of her life, her husband of fifty-two years, Gus Stevens, who died in 1998.
Born in a still standing shotgun house on 29th Avenue in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Helen and John Mitchell, Irene described her childhood as idyllic. Her cherished brother, Mike, and her adoring parents, predeceased her.
Irene is survived by her three children, daughter, Elaine Stevens (Jim Smith), Biloxi, MS.; daughter, Kathy Roberts, (Robin), Mobile, AL; son, Stephen Stevens, Panama City Beach, FL. She was “Yaya” to her grandchildren, Angela Lathrop (Simon), Stillwater, OK; Chris Strompolos (Monica Rodriquez), Los Angeles, CA; Jennifer Dominescy (Jere), Mobile, AL; Alexa Roberts (Melissa Robertson), Mobile, AL; “Big Yaya” to great-grandchildren, Diana Strompolos and Jonah Dominescy. “Iboo” to nieces Stephanie Stevens, Ellie Hales (Eddie), Julie Smith-Vanez, (George) and nephews, Steve Stevens, John Mitchell (Diana) and Charles Mitchell (Joy); and many grand, great-grand, and great-great grand nieces and nephews, thanks to the Mitchell clan! Irene’s ten-pound terrier mix, Dotsey, now living with daughter Elaine, remains a living testament to Irene’s undying love for animals.
Though reared by strict Greek parents, the attractive brunette managed to attract a long string of suitors before meeting the one and only man who claimed her womanhood, Gus Stevens. They met as Irene raised funds for the Greek War Relief and married within a year on October 27, 1946. “There was never a dull moment with my little Gus!” she said as she took great pride in his numerous accomplishments and those of her three children.
Never one for playing bridge or holding coffee klatches, Irene preferred to work faithfully at Gus’s side during various incarnations of his restaurants and nightclubs throughout their marriage. Mother first and foremost to her three children, Irene was a constant in their lives as she opened their minds and hearts to after school activities, like dreaded Greek lessons, piano, ballet, movies, glamour, and above all else, love and laughter.
Whether on board their Blue Dolphin yacht with Gus and celebrities, or at their farm, Rainbow Ranch, watching the children ride horses, Irene was the glue that held the Stevens family together. A superlative hostess, Irene had a smile for everyone. Famous stars appearing on stage, the chefs in the kitchen, the wait staff in the dining room, and her customers at her successful gift shop in the lobby of Gus Stevens Restaurant & Supper Club all reaped the sparkle of her outgoing personality. Irene’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to thrive in her golden years. Yaya Irene’s Greek Salad Dressing hit the market in 2002. “Shake what your Yaya gave you!” became her slogan. A devout Orthodox Christian Irene donated money, time, and talent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the Ladies of Agape auxiliary.
Known for her impeccable sense of style and grace and her love of Clark Gable films, Irene Mitchell Stevens will forever be remembered for her feisty spirit, sense of humor, inner beauty, and Irene sayings, the most famous of which is “Love passionately and laugh out loud.”
The Stevens Family extends their love and gratitude to Elaine Burnham and Peggy Myers, the many caregivers of PRN Home Care, Dr. Paul Mullen, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Brookdale Living Center, Boyington Health and Rehabilitation Center, Kindred Hospice, and the exceptional staff at Greenbriar Nursing Center for their compassionate care.
Services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 255 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS at 11am. Friends may visit one hour prior.
Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park, Biloxi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
REFERENCES :
The Daily Herald, 'Kouvarakis-Mitchell', October 30, 1946, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Train kills man', November 26, 1946, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Mitchell funeral to be held Friday', November 27, 1946, p. 5.
The Sun Herald, 'Irene M. Stevens', July 14, 2017.
Irene Mitchell Stevens, age 95 years, climbed the stairway to heaven in the pre-dawn hours of July 10, 2017 at Greenbriar Nursing Center in D’Iberville, Mississippi.
Irene lived her entire life on her beloved Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was a Gulfport High School graduate and a founding member of Biloxi’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, along with the love of her life, her husband of fifty-two years, Gus Stevens, who died in 1998.
Born in a still standing shotgun house on 29th Avenue in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Helen and John Mitchell, Irene described her childhood as idyllic. Her cherished brother, Mike, and her adoring parents, predeceased her.
Irene is survived by her three children, daughter, Elaine Stevens (Jim Smith), Biloxi, MS.; daughter, Kathy Roberts, (Robin), Mobile, AL; son, Stephen Stevens, Panama City Beach, FL. She was “Yaya” to her grandchildren, Angela Lathrop (Simon), Stillwater, OK; Chris Strompolos (Monica Rodriquez), Los Angeles, CA; Jennifer Dominescy (Jere), Mobile, AL; Alexa Roberts (Melissa Robertson), Mobile, AL; “Big Yaya” to great-grandchildren, Diana Strompolos and Jonah Dominescy. “Iboo” to nieces Stephanie Stevens, Ellie Hales (Eddie), Julie Smith-Vanez, (George) and nephews, Steve Stevens, John Mitchell (Diana) and Charles Mitchell (Joy); and many grand, great-grand, and great-great grand nieces and nephews, thanks to the Mitchell clan! Irene’s ten-pound terrier mix, Dotsey, now living with daughter Elaine, remains a living testament to Irene’s undying love for animals.
Though reared by strict Greek parents, the attractive brunette managed to attract a long string of suitors before meeting the one and only man who claimed her womanhood, Gus Stevens. They met as Irene raised funds for the Greek War Relief and married within a year on October 27, 1946. “There was never a dull moment with my little Gus!” she said as she took great pride in his numerous accomplishments and those of her three children.
Never one for playing bridge or holding coffee klatches, Irene preferred to work faithfully at Gus’s side during various incarnations of his restaurants and nightclubs throughout their marriage. Mother first and foremost to her three children, Irene was a constant in their lives as she opened their minds and hearts to after school activities, like dreaded Greek lessons, piano, ballet, movies, glamour, and above all else, love and laughter.
Whether on board their Blue Dolphin yacht with Gus and celebrities, or at their farm, Rainbow Ranch, watching the children ride horses, Irene was the glue that held the Stevens family together. A superlative hostess, Irene had a smile for everyone. Famous stars appearing on stage, the chefs in the kitchen, the wait staff in the dining room, and her customers at her successful gift shop in the lobby of Gus Stevens Restaurant & Supper Club all reaped the sparkle of her outgoing personality. Irene’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to thrive in her golden years. Yaya Irene’s Greek Salad Dressing hit the market in 2002. “Shake what your Yaya gave you!” became her slogan. A devout Orthodox Christian Irene donated money, time, and talent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the Ladies of Agape auxiliary.
Known for her impeccable sense of style and grace and her love of Clark Gable films, Irene Mitchell Stevens will forever be remembered for her feisty spirit, sense of humor, inner beauty, and Irene sayings, the most famous of which is “Love passionately and laugh out loud.”
The Stevens Family extends their love and gratitude to Elaine Burnham and Peggy Myers, the many caregivers of PRN Home Care, Dr. Paul Mullen, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Brookdale Living Center, Boyington Health and Rehabilitation Center, Kindred Hospice, and the exceptional staff at Greenbriar Nursing Center for their compassionate care.
Services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 255 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS at 11am. Friends may visit one hour prior.
Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park, Biloxi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
REFERENCES :
The Daily Herald, 'Kouvarakis-Mitchell', October 30, 1946, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Train kills man', November 26, 1946, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Mitchell funeral to be held Friday', November 27, 1946, p. 5.
The Sun Herald, 'Irene M. Stevens', July 14, 2017.
Irene lived her entire life on her beloved Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was a Gulfport High School graduate and a founding member of Biloxi’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, along with the love of her life, her husband of fifty-two years, Gus Stevens, who died in 1998.
Born in a still standing shotgun house on 29th Avenue in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Helen and John Mitchell, Irene described her childhood as idyllic. Her cherished brother, Mike, and her adoring parents, predeceased her.
Irene is survived by her three children, daughter, Elaine Stevens (Jim Smith), Biloxi, MS.; daughter, Kathy Roberts, (Robin), Mobile, AL; son, Stephen Stevens, Panama City Beach, FL. She was “Yaya” to her grandchildren, Angela Lathrop (Simon), Stillwater, OK; Chris Strompolos (Monica Rodriquez), Los Angeles, CA; Jennifer Dominescy (Jere), Mobile, AL; Alexa Roberts (Melissa Robertson), Mobile, AL; “Big Yaya” to great-grandchildren, Diana Strompolos and Jonah Dominescy. “Iboo” to nieces Stephanie Stevens, Ellie Hales (Eddie), Julie Smith-Vanez, (George) and nephews, Steve Stevens, John Mitchell (Diana) and Charles Mitchell (Joy); and many grand, great-grand, and great-great grand nieces and nephews, thanks to the Mitchell clan! Irene’s ten-pound terrier mix, Dotsey, now living with daughter Elaine, remains a living testament to Irene’s undying love for animals.
Though reared by strict Greek parents, the attractive brunette managed to attract a long string of suitors before meeting the one and only man who claimed her womanhood, Gus Stevens. They met as Irene raised funds for the Greek War Relief and married within a year on October 27, 1946. “There was never a dull moment with my little Gus!” she said as she took great pride in his numerous accomplishments and those of her three children.
Never one for playing bridge or holding coffee klatches, Irene preferred to work faithfully at Gus’s side during various incarnations of his restaurants and nightclubs throughout their marriage. Mother first and foremost to her three children, Irene was a constant in their lives as she opened their minds and hearts to after school activities, like dreaded Greek lessons, piano, ballet, movies, glamour, and above all else, love and laughter.
Whether on board their Blue Dolphin yacht with Gus and celebrities, or at their farm, Rainbow Ranch, watching the children ride horses, Irene was the glue that held the Stevens family together. A superlative hostess, Irene had a smile for everyone. Famous stars appearing on stage, the chefs in the kitchen, the wait staff in the dining room, and her customers at her successful gift shop in the lobby of Gus Stevens Restaurant & Supper Club all reaped the sparkle of her outgoing personality. Irene’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to thrive in her golden years. Yaya Irene’s Greek Salad Dressing hit the market in 2002. “Shake what your Yaya gave you!” became her slogan. A devout Orthodox Christian Irene donated money, time, and talent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the Ladies of Agape auxiliary.
Known for her impeccable sense of style and grace and her love of Clark Gable films, Irene Mitchell Stevens will forever be remembered for her feisty spirit, sense of humor, inner beauty, and Irene sayings, the most famous of which is “Love passionately and laugh out loud.”
The Stevens Family extends their love and gratitude to Elaine Burnham and Peggy Myers, the many caregivers of PRN Home Care, Dr. Paul Mullen, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Brookdale Living Center, Boyington Health and Rehabilitation Center, Kindred Hospice, and the exceptional staff at Greenbriar Nursing Center for their compassionate care.
Services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 255 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS at 11am. Friends may visit one hour prior.
Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park, Biloxi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
REFERENCES :
The Daily Herald, 'Kouvarakis-Mitchell', October 30, 1946, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Train kills man', November 26, 1946, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Mitchell funeral to be held Friday', November 27, 1946, p. 5.
The Sun Herald, 'Irene M. Stevens', July 14, 2017.
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