SNELLVILLE, Ga. - After 93 years of independent living and 2 years of assisted living, Irene Walker Gerson passed away Saturday, June 2, 2007 at Embracing Hospice in Snellville. She was a joy to her friends and will always be remembered for her love of people and service to the community through her many volunteer programs. In 1968 while walking through the newly built Governor's Mansion, she and her friend, Mrs. Thomas Bradbury (the wife of the architect), decided that it should be shown to the public. Mrs. Gerson began the Hostess Program for the Governor's Mansion which she chaired until 2003 providing hostesses for the rooms to be showcased. She, of course, was at the front door meeting and greeting while directing guests to the various rooms with her usual Southern charm. She watched seven governors come and go with great things to say about them all. She was a charter member of the Atlanta PEO Chapter N of North Georgia which she joined in 1963. She and her "sisters" were involved in community and support of each other. Mrs. Gerson was a long time member of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church. She was the greeter at the door to the church for many years and knew everyone who entered. She was a past President of the Episcopal Church of Women. She was community minded with a great love of her city and a willingness to show it off. She was a past President of Theatre Atlanta, member of the Board of Sponsors for the Alliance Theatre. She worded as a board member of the Atlanta Symphony as well as with the Young Peoples Concerts. She was a member of the National Trust of Historic Preservation and the High Museum of Art. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Gerson; her sister, Elizabeth Boehler; her brother, Benjamin Walker; and her daughter, Faith Richardson. Her memory will be treasured by her sister, Mildred Herman of Augusta; her son, James Gibson of Reno; two granddaughters, Phoebe Richardson of Decatur and Jamie Winters of Lake Tahoe, her husband Rick Winters and their sons Tanner and Kaden, Mrs. Gerson's great-grandsons. Although she has been unable to visit Augusta recently she will be remembered by all the wonderful family and friends who she loved so dearly. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Embracing Hospice of Snellville or the Salvation Army. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 3 p.m. at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church with Rev. John Porter officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Sandy Springs Chapel Funeral Directors, 136 Mt. Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328.

The Augusta Chronicle-June 6, 2007