Irene M. Vinson

Irene M. Vinson, age 93 passed away March 17, 2016. She was born March 20, 1922 to M. C. Martin Sr and Lavinia E. Henderson in Danville, Va. Both parents were college graduates. Her father helped found the first Black bank in Danville in 1919, one of only 13 in the country. She was baptized as a teenager in Calvary Baptist Church. After completing her schooling in 1941 she came to Columbus, Oh and married Robert “Big Six” Vinson. She was an active member of Pilgrim Baptist Church for over 65 years and served on the usher board. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Richard Vinson Sr.; her parents; 1 daughter, Jeannette Elaine Sanders; and 1 son, Larry Andrew Vinson; grandson, Johnathon Foster; son-in-law, John Foster. Surviving children are Charlotte Foster, Linda, Robert, Steve (Rev. Donna), Paul (Saundra), Eddie, Ella and Teresa; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother, M.C. Martin Jr of L.A., CA; sisters, Edwina Martin of Cleveland, OH and Paula Smith of Danville, VA.; 2 nieces; 1 nephew and many cousins. Celebration of life begins 11 am Thursday March 24, 2016 at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 1080 E. Broad St. Family will receive friends from 10 am until time of service. Dr. Elon Meeks, Officiating. Interment Greenlawn Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Diehl Whittaker Funeral Services, 720 E. Long St. To sign Irene’s online guest book, visit www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits