IRBY RAY WILLIAMS

Irby was witty, fun-loving, and full of joy. He grew up in the West End of Houston, where he attended River Oaks Elementary, St. Theresa Catholic School, Lanier Junior High, and Jack Yates Senior High. At Jack Yates, he proudly played in the marching band and went on to serve as drum major. He graduated with the Class of 1987. Continuing his education, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs from Texas Southern University in 1995.

Reared in faith, Irby accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age as a member of the Church of the Living God Temple #18, under the leadership of the late Bishop Ural F. Ware.

Music was one of Irby’s greatest passions. He played both the soprano and alto saxophones, and his voice was a gift he shared in many choirs. He often blessed others with instrumental solos such as Because He Lives, Amazing Grace, To God Be the Glory, and If God Is Dead. For many years, he played his saxophone with the Houston Chapter of the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America and sang with the New Children of Christ Community Choir under the leadership of Phyllis Kennedy.

Beyond music, Irby loved the outdoors. Horses held a special place in his heart, especially his beloved horse, Tiny. He was an active member of the Prairie View Trail Riders and enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and sightseeing. He also found joy in riding his motorcycle and go-carts. With his green thumb, he grew fresh peppers in his home garden.

Irby was also a dedicated entrepreneur, operating his own lawn care business and faithfully serving clients throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.

Above all, Irby deeply loved his family. He cherished time with his nieces and great-niece and nephew, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love.

On August 25th, surrounded by his loving family, Irby made his peaceful transition into eternal rest. He now rejoins his late father, Willie Ray Williams; his special bonus dad, Rodney Matthew Sr.; his godparents, Drs. James B. & Edith Irby Jones; his grandparents, Rev. Willie & Sadie Williams and Frederick Sr. & Christiana Franklin; his brothers, Christopher & Fredrick Williams; and his bonus siblings, Sandra and Carl Matthews.

Irby will be greatly missed and never forgotten. His vibrant spirit will forever live on in the hearts of his family and all who loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted mother, Artye Fayanna Matthews; his sister, Earsel Franklin; his brother, Cedric Williams; his bonus brothers, Rodney Matthews Jr. (Cynthia), Phillip Matthews (Mary), and Joshua Sutton; his nieces, Eytra Robertson (Cornelious Jr.) and Eytravia Franklin; his great-niece and nephew, Cayslyn and Cornelious Robertson III; and his aunts, Ginger Williams-Shepherd and Sandra Williams-Stewart. Along with a host of relatives and friends.

Irby’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.