Mrs. Whelma Brooks Irby transitioned from this life on October 22, 2025 at the age of 89.

Mrs. Irby was born on February 11, 1936 to Emma Brooks and Ned Sheal in Halifax County, Virginia. She was married to Frank A. Irby who preceded her in death. Their children, Charles Irby (pre-deceased), Francis Irby and Anita Irby-Still (pre-deceased). Her life partner, Patrick Gargano also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Irby professed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Pleasant Grove Missionary Church in South Boston, Virginia. She converted to Catholicism upon her marriage to Mr. Frank Irby. She joined Sacred Heart Church in Vineland, New Jersey and was a faithful member until her health prevented her attendance.

Mrs. Irby completed her early education at Halifax County Training School in Halifax County, Virginia. She went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Morgan State College and a Master's degree from Central Michigan University. While at Morgan State she became involved in the civil rights movement where she and other students were recruited to do sit-ins at local Baltimore food establishments.

Mrs. Irby was employed in various administrative positions at Vineland State School (now known as the Vineland Developmental Center) and served as the superintendent at Woodbridge Developmental Center in Woodbridge, N.J. (She was the first black CEO at Woodbridge State School). She retired from Vineland Developmental Center after twenty-five years of service.

Being a consummate advocate for the community and people in general, she served on the boards of many community organizations, including Chairperson of New Vizzions, Inc., Vineland Library Board of Directors and was a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Mrs. Irby was a motivator, educator, mentor, advocate and surrogate mother for many others including her family, supervisees, co-workers, and anyone who needed encouragement or a helping hand.

Mrs. Irby is survived by her two sisters. Luetta Stewart Owen and Evangelist Novella Stewart Beaver (William) and by her brother Lynn E. Stewart Jr. (Melinda). Her sister-in-law, Verneva F. Brooks. Devoted nieces and nephews, Pastor Tracy Brooks Gittens, Oscar J. Brooks Jr., Melvin Lee Bailey Jr., Master Sargent (Ret.) Lynn E. Stewart III (Shari), Lynda Miller, Maurice A. Brooks (Milicent) and Stephanie Y. Beaver. She was also highly regarded and loved as a stepmother to Kathleen Walsh (pre-deceased) (John), Ellen Mason (pre-deceased) (Fred), Jean Jones (Robert), Wayne Gargano (Helen), Michele Ballin (Gary) and as a grandmother and great-grandmother to Patrick Gargano's family.

Mrs. Irby was preceded in death by her mother, Emma Brooks Stewart, her father Ned Sheal, one brother, Oscar J. Brooks, one sister Estella Stewart Bailey, two nieces, Verneva Owen Harris and Barbara Ann Owen and one nephew, Robert E. Beaver.

Special thanks and acknowledgement to devoted caregivers, Mary Mendez, Aviana Ayala, Maria Gonzalez and Patricia Pauline Fioresi, as well as US Renal and CATS.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Diabetes Association or your local Kidney Association.

Funeral services for Mrs. Whelma B. Irby will be on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland, NJ. Public viewing at 2:00 pm, services starting at 3:00pm

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.