Irene Johnson Hopper, age 91, of Tryon and formerly of Rutherfordton, died on Monday, March 15th, 2021.

Irene Johnson Hopper was born in Rutherfordton in 1929 to the late Ivey Lewis Johnson and Lennie Hall Johnson.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Barney H. "Bill" Hopper.  She was preceded in death by 9 siblings:  Mae Gaultney, Beulah Culbreth, Ernest Johnson, Silas Johnson, Louise Johnson, Lois Johnson, Paul Johnson, David Johnson, and Juanita Davis.

Irene Johnson Hopper graduated from the Rutherford Hospital School of Nursing and spent her entire 40-year career as a Registered Nurse delivering babies in the Labor and Delivery unit at Rutherford Hospital.

Mrs. Hopper is survived by her two children, Michael Hopper of Villa Rica, Georgia and Lisa Hopper Epley and son-in-law Eric Epley of Columbus, NC and well as many grand-dogs and grand-cats.

Also mourning her loss is a dear roommate, friend, and bonus sister, Anna Winn.  Irene leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews as well as her compassionate caregivers and friends from White Oak in Tryon.

Irene Johnson Hopper will be remembered for her sweet smile and her kind and gentle nature.  She possessed a quick wit and a keen sense of humor as well.  Also to her credit were her love of her family, especially her children, and her devotion to her faith.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 20th, 2021 at 1pm at Kistler's Chapel United Methodist Church, 3060 Poors Ford Rd, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.  A graveside funeral service will follow at 2pm.  Friends and family are invited to both the visitation and the graveside service. Those wishing to make memorials in lieu of flowers are requested to donate to Kistler's Chapel UMC Outreach Ministry; 3060 Poors Ford Rd, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. An online guest register is available at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.