Arthur’s Grandsons and Nephews Arthur’s Nieces

My beloved Yogi,

Throughout the years, we’ve loved each other, nourished each other,

cared for each other and cherished each other. Now that you’re gone, I

feel so lost. But I know, because our Lord and Savior has deemed it so,

that we will be together again. Until then,

I’ll love and miss you, always.

…Your loving wife, Mary

We, the family of Arthur Irby, would like to express our most sincere and

profound gratitude for your many acts of love, sympathy and most of all, your

prayers, during the passing our loved one. May God bless you all.

Special thanks are extended to the staff of the L-VAD Clinic at Palmetto Health

Richland and to Nurse Kathy from Kirkland home for the

love and care shown to Arthur and our family.

Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home

2930 Colonial Drive

Columbia, South Carolina 29203

Willie A. Tompkins, Founder

(803) 254-2000

bosticktompkinsinc.com

For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them

also that love his appearing.

II Timothy 4: 6-8 (KJV)

Arthur was born March 22, 1946 in Selma, Alabama to Lillie Irby and the

late Washington Irby. He had one sister, Della R. Strong, who preceded

him in death. He peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on August

31, 2017 at Palmetto Health Heart Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy: his loving

wife of 49 years, Mary Irby; his mother, Lillie Irby of Birmingham,

Alabama; his daughters, Debra (Randy) Durham of Selma, Alabama,

Charlotte (Shamia) Sivels of Charlotte, North Carolina, Rociana

Underwood of Birmingham, Alabama and Lisa (Thaddeus) Hawthorne

of Chapin, South Carolina; ten grandchildren: Je’Quan who was reared in

the home; Keldric, Korrand, Joshua, Tashi, Trynecia, Trystunia, Lexis,

Barry Jr. and Quamir; and his five great-grandchildren who were “his

heaven on earth”: Denzel Jr., Daelyn, Keshaun, Payton, and Kelleigh.

He also leaves to cherish his memories: fifteen nieces and nephews; a

sister-in-law, Bertha Miller of Washington, DC, and brother-in-law,

Maxie Cannon of Columbia, South Carolina; an aunt, Mittie Duncan and

uncle, Frankie Lee Dixon both of Selma, Alabama; and a host of other

loving relatives and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

He was predeceased by his father, Washington Irby, and his beloved

great-grandchild, Maalika.

God saw you getting tired

and a cure was not to be

so he put his arms around you

and whispered,

"Come to Me."

With tearful eyes we watched you

and saw you pass away

and although we love you dearly

we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating

hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.

Prelude

Processional ........................................................................................ Clergy and Family

Final Farewell to Our Beloved “Yogi” ............................ Bostick-Tompkins Staff

Hymn of Praise ..................................................................................... Lilly Grove Choir

Scripture Readings

Old Testament ..................................................................... Elder Jerry Murphy

New Testament ........................................................................... Mack Holloway

Prayer of Comfort ....................................................................... Elder Melvin Gordon

Solo .................................................................................. Evangelist Ernestine Murphy

Remarks ......................................................................................... Wilbert “Will” Minter Arthur’s cousin who he loved as a brother

Words of Comfort ....................................................................... Elder Reginald Wells

Recessional

Postlude

Committal, Closing Prayer, Benediction & Interment

927 County Road • Selma, Alabama