Mrs. Irene Milligan Thompson, the daughter of the late Mary Ann and David Milligan, was born on October 31, 1923 and departed this life on February 25, 2015. Irene was educated in the Berkeley County Public School System and attended Bethel United Methodist Church as a child. She was a liberated and independent woman long before it was acceptable for women to pursue a professional career. As a teenager, Irene left St. Stephen to pursue her passion for cooking. Her first travels took her to Charleston, SC, where she partnered with her oldest brother to work at a local restaurant. After working in Charleston for a period of time, both she and her brother relocated to Boston, MA, to seek greater opportunities. After working in Boston for several years, Irene elected to go it alone. Her adventurous and independent spirit continued to soar. She lived and worked in New York City, NY and Baltimore, MD, where she continued to hone her culinary skills. She eventually moved and settled in Washington, DC where both her professional and personal life continued to be blessed. She worked at the very prestigious Ritz Carlton Hotel as a cook and during this period, she married and raised three children. Irene returned back to St. Stephen when her father became ill in order to care for him. At that time, she rejoined Zion United Methodist Church which later became New Light United Methodist Church where she remained a faithful member until she was called home. In order to make the church stronger, she believed everyone should contribute in some capacity. As a result, she elected to join the usher board where she faithfully worked for more than 20 years. In addition to serving on the usher board, she joined the Hospitality Ministry where she utilized her God-given cooking skills. Irene was a wonderful woman and was full of life, laughter and love. She strongly believed in family and often extended her home to family members in their time of need. Irene leaves to cherish her precious memories: three children, Hester (Richard) Hamilton of Woodbine Georgia, Jimmy (Joyce) Thompson of Columbia South Carolina, Ricky (Barbara) Thompson of Johns Creek, Georgia; one beloved sister, Geneva (Rembert) Seaward of Washington DC; six grandchildren: Sheena Thompson, Tiffany Thompson, Jerah Milligan, Jared Thompson, Elijah "Drake" Thompson, Aaron Thompson; her special angel Ora Davis Wallace; and a host of loving nieces and nephews, family and friends.