Irene was a beloved mother, grandmother, godmother, community leader and friend. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and dedicated service to her family and community.

Irene began her professional life at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she worked as an operator for five years. Later, she pursued her passion for real estate, becoming a realtor and working with Taylor Properties before joining McMakin and Associates.

She and her beloved husband Johnnie found their dream home in Rowe Valley — an idyllic riverside haven that became the heart of cherished family memories. After mold forced the house to be torn down in 2000, Irene and her family turned the property into a beloved summer retreat, complete with RV hookups, river swings, games, and endless laughter. It remained Irene’s “Happy Place,” filled with joy and tranquility.

Following Johnnie’s passing in 1992, Irene continued to embrace new beginnings, taking computer classes at Taylor High School and later joining the Williamson County Appraisal District in Georgetown, where she worked as an Agricultural Clerk until retirement.

Above all, Irene treasured her family. She is survived by her four devoted children and their spouses: Buddy and Monee Michna, Ronnie and Tracey Michna, Randy and Carla Michna and Shanna and Clayton Holder.

Her love extended to her grandchildren: Allison Copeland (and husband Ethan), Ashlyn Holder, Amber Holder (and fiancé Hunter), Liberty Sherrill (and husband Colin), Sarah Michna, Brayden Michna, Rylee Michna and Chance Michna.

She was further blessed with greatgrandchildren Ryder Copeland, Emmersyn Sherrill, Paxton Sherrill and Kash Copeland.

Irene’s heart was large enough to embrace many godchildren: Regina Jo and Mike Carlson; Haiden, Jen, Harper, Hunter, and Hallee Mensik; Sharrion “Bam Bam” and Dean “Deano” Threadgill; Joe, Nikki, Cameron and Conner Barcuch.

She was a beloved sister and sister-in-law to: Gloria Walton, Judy and Tom Motyka, Sandra and Bill Bray, Larry and Kathy Michna, Jimmy Michna, Tony Michna and Luanne Michna.

She was preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Justene Walton (Gin Momma and Gin Daddy), Ruth and Hugh McLaughlin, Elmer and Effie Walton, her brother Meredith Grey Walton, sister-inlaw Denise Michna, brother-in-law Bobby Michna, niece Julie Motyka Padgett, and her beloved dogs Apache Duke and Cheyenne.

Irene had a deep love for her extended family of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A proud Taylor resident, Irene, was passionately involved in her community. She participated in Taylor’s 125th Birthday and the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Taylor Main Street. Her many honors included being named Taylor Area Businesswomen’s Woman of the Year, receiving a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congressman John Carter, and being inducted into the Duck Hall of Fame.

Her community spirit was further recognized through features such as Taking Flight by Taylor High School, the Taylor Barbecue Legend Award, and being voted Taylor Press Readers’ Choice Volunteer of the Year in both 2017 and 2018.

In 2019, Irene served proudly as Grand Marshal of Taylor’s Fourth of July Parade — one of her favorite holidays. She also served as an Ambassador for the Taylor Chamber of Commerce and held positions on multiple boards, including the Taylor Main Street Board and Taylor Parks and Recreation Board. Her contributions to Taylor Heritage Park, the Bandstand, and a historical book on Taylor further reflect her dedication to preserving the town’s spirit and stories.

With her son Ronnie and the Taylor Chamber, she helped revive the Taylor International Cookoff. Irene was also a member of the Taylor Women’s Softball team, the Angels, which proudly placed ninth in the State of Texas Slow-Pitch Tournament. She was honored with the Lifetime Member Buckle by the Taylor Rodeo Association and was a proud member of the Williamson County Museum.

She served as President of the Williamson County Old Settlers Association, proudly following in her father’s footsteps to help preserve the rich history of Williamson County.

A dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Taylor since 1944, she faithfully watched services every Sunday. She always cherished listening to the worship and singing along to the hymns. She often fondly remarked, “I’ve been going since I was put in the cradle.”

The Michna family extends their heartfelt thanks to all Irene’s Family and Friends, Tara Nugent and the Scott & White Hospice Care Team, as well as Dr. Chang and Dr. Murray, for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Irene Michna Scholarship fund at Taylor High School. Please send donations to Taylor ISD Central Office, 3101 N. Main St., Suite 104, Taylor, Texas 76574.

Visitation will take place from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Providence Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place from 3-4 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 2500 Mallard Lane, Taylor, TX 76574. Interment will follow from 4-5 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, at Taylor City Cemetery.