Irene Tipton Dilbeck, age 89, of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away on July 14th, 2025. Irene was born in Blue Ridge, GA to the late Thomas "Floyd" and Nellie Tipton. She was very competitive and in her younger years enjoyed playing various sports, especially basketball and softball. She took pleasure in gardening and canning, however in her later years she gardened vicariously through her son, Todd. Irene was a devout member of Lebanon Baptist Church for over 50 years but was currently a member of Temple Baptist Church where she greatly enjoyed her Sunday school class.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Thomas "Clyde" Dilbeck; and siblings, Clyde Tipton, Clarence Tipton, Grace Taylor, Claude Tipton, and Edna Tipton.

Survivors include, son and daughter-in-law, Steven "Todd" Dilbeck and Carol; second sons, Rev. Gerald Mathis (Rita), and Tom Merkert (Susan); grandson, Aaron Martin (Dawn); great-grandchild, Logan Martin; special friend, Gill Farmer; caretaker and special niece, Vivian Mathis; a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Akins-Cobb Chapel in Blue Ridge, GA with Dr. Roger Beck and Rev. Charlie Wellham officiating. Music was provided by Eric Woods. Interment followed in the Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Bill Brown, Aaron Martin, Logan Martin, Tom Mekert, Wesley Huffman, Scott Johnson, Mark Burger, and Terry Pack. The Senior Sunday school class at Temple Baptist Church served as honorary pallbearers. The family received friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of the arrangements.