Irene Garner Carrigan
DARLINGTON — Irene Garner Carrigan, age 91, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021, at home surrounded by the loving care of her family. A native of Darlington, Irene was born Sept. 23, 1929, to the late Alva Thomas Garner and Lena Dickerson Garner. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Col. Marion Richards Carrigan Jr., by their beloved sons, Marion Richards “Rick” Carrigan, III, Michael “Mike” Garner Carrigan Sr., and by beloved daughter-in-law, wife of Mike, Patricia “Patty” Mitchum Carrigan. She was also preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, David L. Garner. She is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Richard Russell Carrigan of Atlanta, Michael Garner Carrigan Jr. of Darlington and Kimberly Elaine Carrigan of Clemson, and by two great-grandchildren, Michael Jude Carrigan and Piper Arden Carrigan, both of Darlington. She is also survived by several dear nieces and nephews. A smart and accomplished woman, Irene was Valedictorian of the St. John’s High School graduating class of 1946. Prior to marriage, she worked for Darlington County’s state senator, the late James P. “Spot” Mozingo III. On Feb. 29, 1956, Irene and her late husband, Col. Marion R. Carrigan Jr., were married. She accompanied her husband and their two sons to U.S. Army postings around the world, including Washington, D.C. (the Pentagon), Germany and South Korea. On her husband’s military retirement in 1976, the family moved to Columbia and, while there, Irene worked for former South Carolina governor the late John C. West Sr., later the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. In 1980, the family returned home to Darlington to settle for good. She enjoyed, and was an active member of, Darlington Presbyterian Church, regularly attending Sunday services, Wednesday night meetings and a weekly Bible study. Following her husband’s death in 1999, she created and managed, along with her sons and grandson at various times, an active and successful real estate company, Aegis Enterprises LLC. Visitation was Saturday, July 17, at Darlington Presbyterian Church followed by a 2 p.m. funeral service officiated by her pastor, the Reverend Kevin Cauley. Arrangements were being made by Belk Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to go to the American Cancer Society. A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.
