Bessie Lorean Irons

Bessie Lorean Irons, 93, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 3, 2021. She was born on December 27, 1927, in the farming town of Blue Ash, Ohio.

Lorean grew up in Wilberforce, Ohio. She developed her artistic talents within a very musical family. Everyone sang, played various musical instruments, and were known for performing at concerts in churches, community events, and breaking out in spontaneous harmonious song around the fireplace!

She graduated from Central State University, Class of 1948 with a degree in music and theater, focusing on voice, piano, and the clarinet. Lorean was blessed with a beautiful operatic voice and upon graduation, she had the opportunity to pursue a professional career as a singer and actress, but she decided to embark on a more traditional career as an educator. Subsequently, Lorean taught school in many towns including Boston, Massachusetts; Beggs, Oklahoma; Houston, Texas; Springfield, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; Tallahassee, Florida, and Xenia, Ohio.

In addition to teaching, Lorean successfully completed law school at the age of 50. In 1976, she entered politics as the only African-American candidate running for office in the Fulton County Superior Court Clerk’s Office. In addition to her work and family obligations, Lorean was very active in the civil rights movement, actively participating in bus boycotts and other political demonstrations. She was also an avid inventor and businesswoman who owned a successful real estate agency selling commercial and residential properties. Lorean also owned a music school where she and other teachers taught piano and woodwind instruments.

In 1980, she became a charter member of the Nu Lambda Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the largest chapter in the south Atlantic region and the second-largest chapter nationwide.

In her spare time, Lorean loved to play piano, board games, was an excellent tailor, an avid tennis player, and enjoyed spending time with her family. Lorean lived a spiritual life as a devout Christian and member of the Baha’i Faith.

Lorean leaves to cherish her memory: her loving sister, Evelyn Taylor; three children, Trisha Lynn Irons, Edward Daryl Irons, Jr. (spouse Angie Irons), and Tamara Joy Irons (spouse Catherine Walker); nine grandchildren: Stefani and Renee Alexander, Nikki Slaughter, Ashley, Edward III, Tylen, Troi, and Trenton Irons; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Elijah Quincy Weatherford, Sr.; mother, Evelyn Louise (Richards) Weatherford; six brothers: Johnny, Daniel, Lawrence, Richard, Elijah, Jr., and James; five sisters: Freda Harris, Nannie Mae Hayes, Mary Ella Austin, Alice Boyd, and Hester Colatrigulio.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the United AME Church, 286 E Church St, Xenia, Ohio 45385. Interment to follow at the Cherry Grove Cemetery, Xenia, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Negro College Fund .

Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.