Irene Manuel

Irene Stavros Manuel, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully from natural causes on January 10, 2025, in Lenexa, Kansas, just days shy of her 94th birthday. She was mentally sharp until the very end. Born on January 18, 1931, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Irene was the cherished daughter of Greek immigrants, Georgia Parnassa Stavros and Gust Stavros.

Irene spent 63 years of her life in Pine Bluff, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community. After graduation from Pine Bluff High School she embarked on a dedicated career as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell/AT&T where she was recognized for her remarkable commitment, achieving an impressive 40 years of perfect employment attendance. Her dedication to her profession was further exemplified by her involvement with the Telephone Pioneers of America. Widowed at the young age of 46, she remained steadfast in raising her family with love, determination, and sacrifice to put her daughters through college and graduate school.

In 1994, Irene moved to Lenexa, Kansas to be near her beloved daughters and their families. She found immense joy in caring for her grandchildren, who cherished their time with her. Together, they spent hours reading, cooking, playing at the park and taking frequent trips to the library. Irene’s talent for hand-making clothes, baking cakes, pies and cookies, and reading her Bible brought comfort to all who knew her. Her home was often filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the love of her welcoming spirit. No family birthday was complete without one of her legendary cakes. 

Irene loved to learn and had a boundless curiosity about people, history, culture, and current events. She delighted in engaging in thoughtful conversations and offering her insightful perspective on any topic. She was known for her kindness, empathy, and ability to always see the best in others. Those who knew her well described her as fiercely independent throughout her life.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Herschel Lavoy Manuel; her parents, Georgia and Gust Stavros; her sister, Anna Stavros Smith; and her brothers Pete and Chris Stavros. Her memory will forever be cherished by her surviving family: daughters Georgianna Mullin and her spouse, Lenny, and Maria Baumgart and her spouse, Brian; grandchildren Hillary Daniel and her spouse, Chase; James Mullin and his spouse, Courtney; Jillian Cordeiro and her spouse, Pedro; Benjamin Baumgart; and Christina Baumgart; as well as her great-grandchildren Preston, Parker, Ashton Daniel, and Caleb Mullin.

Services to honor Irene's life will be held as follows: Visitation will take place from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kansas. Irene will be laid to rest during a graveside service at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, at 11:30 am on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Irene Stavros Manuel will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her exemplary work ethic, and her gentle, nurturing spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she held dear. May her soul rest in eternal peace.