Ilene H. Damron, 99, Faithful Servant and Beloved Matriarch, Passes Away

Ilene H. Damron, 99, Faithful Servant and Beloved Matriarch, Passes Away

Ilene H. Damron, age 99, passed away on September 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born August 23, 1926, she lived nearly a century marked by faith, service, and family devotion. She now joins her Lord and Savior, along with many family members who preceded her—including her twin.

A member of the “Greatest Generation,” Ilene and her late husband, Milton Damron, embraced a Christ-centered marriage that lasted 63 years. As young adults at the University of Kentucky in the 1950s, they were baptized together at Porter Memorial Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong mission of teaching Sunday School and spreading the gospel. Their shared ministry brought many people to faith.

Over the years, Ilene and Milton’s lives took them from Key West to Montana and finally to the Carolinas, where they enjoyed sunsets, square dancing, and community service. Ilene was known for her natural beauty, boundless energy, and enthusiasm for health and wellness. She loved spending time with her daughter, Rheba, and granddaughter, Melita, creating lasting memories on shopping trips and family gatherings.

Ilene is survived by her daughter, Rheba Roten; granddaughter, Melita Murray (Lee); great-granddaughter, Taylor Leigh Murray; and a large circle of relatives and friends who regarded her as a mentor, confidant, and best friend.

Her service will be private, with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to share memories and messages in the online guestbook.