Abbye Irons

Abbye Elizabeth Irons, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend, went to her eternal heavenly home surrounded by her family in Midland, Texas on May 31, 2016 at the age of 29. She was born to Mrs. Marsha McMillan Crook and the late Mikel Stevan Irons, in Midland, Texas on October 9, 1986. Abbye graduated from Midland Christian School in 2005, where she was a cheerleader and active in many student organizations.  She graduated from Texas Tech University in December 2009 with a Bachelors of Business Administration and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Abbye loved music and was a gifted vocalist and guitar player, which led her to spend a year in Nashville interning for country music stars Big & Rich while attending Belmont University. She spent a summer studying abroad in London while at Texas Tech University, and enjoyed her time traveling with friends.  She loved fashion and often dreamt of opening her own clothing boutique.  Camp Longhorn held a special place in her heart after spending 11 years as a camper and counselor. But, most important to Abbye was her faith of and love for Jesus Christ, whom she professed as her personal savior and for whom she was baptized on April 7, 1997 at First Baptist Church in Midland. She continued to be a faithful believer and church member for the remainder of her life. Abbye was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy in November 2010, which led to a heart transplant and a devastating stroke during the procedure on April 7, 2013. Abbye fought bravely, without complaint, and always remained focused on the blessings in her life. Abbye radiated love for her countless friends and family members, whose support sustained her throughout her life and health battle. Her infectious laughter, gentle spirit, kind smile, and loving soul will be missed by all who knew her, and her legacy will continue to shine through the warm and wonderful memories she leaves behind. Left to cherish Abbye’s memory is her mother, Marsha Crook, and her stepfather, Gary Crook, both of Midland; her sister and brother-in-law, Kate and John Dorff, and her nephew Collier Dorff, of Dallas; her stepsister Brandi Crook Burleson and husband Tommy of Orange Grove, and stepbrother Brady Crook and wife Lisa of Orange Grove; her aunts and uncles, Sally and Ron McMillan, of Houston, Joanna and Mike McMillan of Marietta, Georgia, Trish and Craig McMillan, of Brownwood, Elaine McMillan of Brownwood, Marilyn and Jack Ed Irons, of Dallas, and Cathy and Dick Irons, of San Angelo; her cousins Craig Irons and wife Lauren of San Francisco, California, Lindsey Irons Norton and husband Bill, of Austin, Michelle Rawlings of Dallas, Coye Irons of Dripping Springs, Grant Irons and wife Brittany of New Braunfels, Hailey Irons Newlin and husband Ryan of San Angelo, Tina McMillan of Fort Worth, John McMillan and Jesse McMillan of Houston, Buffy Simpson of Brownwood, Judson McMillan of Brownwood, Marsha McMillan Finlayson and husband Kris of Brownwood, Neil McMillan of Brownwood, Ashlie McMillan Kerr and husband Andrew of Nashville, and Brandt McMillan and wife Elizabeth of Nashville. Abbye was preceded in death by her father, Mikel Stevan Irons, of Midland, and by her grandparents Bette and Bob McMillan of Brownwood, and Kate and Jack Irons of Big Spring. Abbye’s family would like to thank the countless medical professionals at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center (formerly St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital) of Houston, Baylor Hospital of Dallas, TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas, and the Center for Neuro Skills in Irving, the wonderfully kind caregivers who helped with Abbye’s care over the past three years, the exceptional and gentle care of Hospice Midland, the GAP Sunday School class at First Baptist Church Midland, Barbara and Jim Dorff, Abbye’s closest friends, and in particular, the family of the heart transplant donor whose decision in their moment of grief and crisis brought renewed hope. A celebration of Abbye’s life will take place at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 4, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Midland. Abbye’s family will receive friends and family Friday, June 3, 2016 from 5 -7 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, located at 3800 N. Big Spring in Midland, Texas. Donations may be made in Abbye’s honor to First Baptist Church of Midland or to Taylor’s Gift, www.taylorsgift.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.,