Irene Ruth Austin-Wright, daughter of the late Rev. Milton J. Austin and Blessie Mae Daniels Austin was born on February 19, 1930 in Jersey City, NJ. She attended the public schools in Jersey City, NJ. Upon moving to Cliffwood, NJ, she attended the area school and Matawan High School for 21/2 years. She received her high school diploma later on.
At the age of eight, she became a member of Providence Baptist Church in Cliffwood, NJ and was baptized by the late Rev. George Smith. She became a member of the choir and Sunday school. At the conclusion of her father's pastorate at Providence, she became a member of the Second Baptist Church in Keyport, NJ where she was a faithful member of the Sunday school and church. After leaving Keyport, Irene became a member of the Wicker Memorial Baptist Church, Morganville, NJ where her father was Pastor. She moved to Jersey City, NJ in 1958 and joined the Monumental Baptist Church, Rev. Ercel Webb was the Pastor.
In 1971, Irene rejoined Wicker Memorial Baptist Church, Rev. Calvin Wood was the Pastor. At Wicker Memorial Irene joined the Senior Choir for a short time. In 1972, Irene joined the Gospel Echoes and became their secretary. She was a member of the Prayer Band of Monmouth and adjacent counties for many years. Irene studied the Bible in the class of Rev. Richardson, Rev. Corinne Wood and Rev. Mother Anderson, all of whom are deceased. Irene was a member of the Morganville Senior Citizens.
Irene loved to help lead devotion at different churches. She worked many years as a sewing machine operator and at the Cliffwood Boarding Home. Irene enjoyed helping others. She was married to the late John L. Wright and the late Frank Redd.
Irene's goal in life: "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain."
