Irene Pritchard Towe

Irene Pritchard Towe, 103, died Friday, December 26, 2014. Mrs. Towe was born in Elizabeth City on November 7, 1911, and was the daughter of the late Clifford Everton and Nancy "Nannie" Saunders Pritchard. A longtime member of Hertford United Methodist Church, and faithful in the works of its Minnie Wilson Circle, she was also a past member of The Order of the Eastern Star. The former owner of Riverwood Antiques, she held a lifelong interest in antiques, a love of travel, and spending summers in Nags Head with her family. She was the devoted wife of Joseph H. Towe, Sr. for 47 years until his death in 1979, and her date of death was the 83rd anniversary of their wedding. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Clinton "Mutt" Pritchard, by her daughter, Suzanne Towe Haste, and by her daughters-in-law, Nancy L. Towe and Chrystal H. Towe. The much loved matriarch of her family, she is survived by her sister, Alice Pritchard Twiddy; her sons, Joseph Henry Towe, Jr. and wife Diane and Clifford Pritchard Towe, Sr.; grandchildren, Suzy Towe, Joey Towe and wife Karolee, Tosh Towe and wife Elizabeth, Weston Miller, Llewellyn Fedorchak and husband Darrin, Elizabeth Towe and husband Brian, and Payte Towe and wife Caroline; and by great-grandchildren, McCartney Towe, Inglis Towe, Courtney Potts, Jessica Miller, Tucker Fedorchak, Grace Fedorchak, Katherine Wilson, and Kali Towe. A graveside celebration of life service will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Cedarwood Cemetery by the Rev. Jane Leechford. Friends may join the family Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, or in the social hall of the Hertford United Methodist Church immediately following the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Hertford United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.