Irene Elizabeth Comer

Irene Elizabeth Comer, 85 of Maryville moved to her heavenly home on July 9th. She was one of 14 children of Luther & Lillian (Badgett) Bailey. She is survived by son Rick, grandson, Travis and Great granddaughter Abigail Comer of Orland, CA. Sister Kathyrene (Edward) Gibbs, brother Larry (Jeanette) Bailey. 5 stepchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, 33 step greatgrandchildren and 1 step g-g-grandchild, and a host of family and friends to keep her memory alive.

Irene had quite a story to tell. She grew up in and returned to Blount County after living in California for 35 years. She was a waitress at the Gold Nugget where she was known as San Rafael’s version of “Flo” of Mel’s Diner. Her moment of fame came when Producer Rob Reiner, and Director David Lester chose the Gold Nugget for a segment of the movie “Sibling Rivalry” starring Kirstie Alley and Al Bundy. She was a waitress in the movie. Then came a call from a Talent Agency wanting her for commercials. They said Irene had that “homespun” look. She said, “they paid me for being myself”. She did 3 commercials, including one for Miracle Whip which aired in East Tennessee. Irene was a volunteer at BMH, a member of Red Hot Hatters, A pot luck club, AARP of Blount Co. and Hillview Baptist Church and more recently attended her neighborhood church Village Baptist.

Services will be Tuesday July 12, receiving friends 4:00 – 6:00 pm at McCammon Ammons Funeral Home. Funeral at 6:00. Rev John Whitehead and Rev. Gerald Jones officiating. Interment Wednesday, July 13 11:00am at Ballards Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillview Baptist Church Youth Dept. 2759 Mentor Rd Louisville, TN 37777.