Irene Joe Morrison Shuford, 84, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Carolina Caring in Newton, NC. She was born on November 22, 1941, in Catawba County to the late Charlene Morrison and Cora Joe Patterson Morrison. 

She was a devoted member of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, where she faithfully served in the Maggie R. Hall Missionary Society. Irene was a graduate of Ridgeview High School, Class of 1960, and later attended Naomi McLean's Business School, one of the first Black business schools in Winston-Salem. She retired from Centel Phone Company, where she integrated the Switch Board Operator position. After retirement, she continued working at Belk of Hickory.  

 Additionally, she was the Vice President of the Ridgeview High School Alumni Class of 1960, member of Friends of the Ridgeview Library, where she held the position of Treasurer. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, and a Notary Public,  

She leaves to Cherish loving memories her two sons Michael (Kechia) Shuford of Newton, NC. and Jeffery Shuford of Hickory, NC; four grandchildren Dr. Shakara M. Shuford, Jada K. Shuford, Kaden DeWayne Shuford, and Kennedy Shuford; along with a host of other relatives and friends who will carry her love and legacy in their hearts.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 10,2026 at 1:00pm at the Mt. Pisgah AME Church, located at 624 First Street SW, Hickory, NC. 28602. The family will receive friends from 12:30pm-1:00pm at the church prior to the service.