Irene Ames Gunter was born in Townsend, Virginia to the late Liston and Olivia Cypress Ames. She received her education in the public school system of Northampton County.

Irene's desire and ability to take care of others became evident at an early age. She took care of her younger siblings and the household, preparing meals for family and friends. She helped to raise her brother, George Frances, and provided such attentive care, he thought she was his mother. Irene sacrificed her own education to make certain her siblings were educated. When her mother became ill, she gave up her employment to provide loving and excellent care to her for approximately ten years. Irene was a dedicated and devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her family. She loved and enjoyed her siblings, other family and friends.

At an early age, Irene confessed Christ to be her personal Savior and joined the First Baptist Church Capeville. Later she became affiliated with Saint John Baptist Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1957, she met the love of her life and became the bride of Raymond Gunter, Jr. They returned to the Eastern Shore in 1965 with their only beloved child, Raymond Gunter, III. Irene reunited with her home church First Baptist Church Capeville and faithfully attended until her health began to decline.

Our loved one leaves cherished memories of her life with her family and friends. She will be remembered and missed by her devoted and loving husband of 54 years, Raymond Gunter, Jr.; her dedicated son, Raymond Gunter, III (Paula), granddaughters, Shavonda and Shekee, grandson, Lamont; two brothers, Samuel Ames and George F. Ames of Townsend, VA; a mother-in-law, Julia Smith of Jersey City, NJ, one brother-in-law, Jackie Floyd (Grace) of Jersey City, NJ, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, William and Jack Ames and a sister, Maggie Ames and a relative raised as a brother, Willie D. Cypress.

Lovingly submitted, the Gunter Family