Irene Cheeks Ball was born March 28, 1932  in Albany, Dougherty County, Georgia. She was the beloved daughter of the late Eloise Cheeks and the late Deal Robinson.  After the passing of her mother, she was raised by her loving grand-parents, the late Jimmy Cheeks and Alberta Drake Cheeks.

During the early years of her life, she received her formal education in the Dougherty County School System.  In later years believing strongly in life-long learning, she completed the requirements to become  a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Early in life, Irene was nurtured in the Word of God and taught the power of prayer.  As a youth, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and began her journey of Christian stewardship at the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Over the years, she was a faithful member and devoted herself to unparalleled commitment and service to her calling as Mother of the Church, Deaconess, Usher, and a member of the General Mission.  As she continued to avail herself in service, she remained steadfast in her attendance at Sunday School.  "Mother Ball" as she was endearingly called by many, was a prayer warrior who was deeply rooted and grounded in the Lord.  Her faith and trust in God guided her life and allowed her to be a shining example of humility and respect—always giving God the glory and praise.

Mother Ball was a very persistent individual whose professional work life was diverse and rewarding.  For numerous years, she was employed with the Dougherty County Extension Service where she provided family training on Health, Wellness, and Food Safety and Nutrition.  Having a burning desire to help others and utilize her early CNA training, she accepted employment with Palmyra Nursing Home where she began another challenging but satisfying and meaningful career.   Her compassionate spirit, kindness, and willingness to help others made a difference in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Blessed beyond measure, Mother Ball lived a rich and rewarding life; reached the hallowed age of 88, and lived to see generations of her off-springs with whom she left a legacy of love, humility, generosity, and godliness that will forever be cherished.  She had a servant's heart and took great pride in using her God-given abilities and talents to help others.  To the hungry, she offered food; to the sick, she offered compassion; to the broken hearted, she offered consolation; and to the lost, she offered hope and guidance.  She will be remembered by many as a unselfish servant with a sweet, sweet spirit.

On Sunday, December 12, 2020, Mother Ball transcended from life on earth to spend life with our Lord.  In addition to her parents and grandparents, she was predeceased by five children, Freddie Taylor, Essie Hillman, Geraldine Carter, Lillie Cheeks, and Angela Ball; and two sisters, Olivia Baldwin and Bennie Mae Butler.

She leaves many loving memories that will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Irene (Isiah) Kelley, Gwendolyn (Sammy) Smith, Gwenevere Ball, Eddie (Carolyn) Taylor, Gary (Virginia) Ball, Sr., and James (Rhonda) Anderson; two sisters, Murrie Rivers and Agnes Wesley; a myriad of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family of children who were loved as her own, and friends.