Iris Marie Poarch Pritchard, 77, of Hudson passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Burke Hospice.

Mrs. Pritchard was born in Caldwell County to the late Azor Poarch and Alvis Walser Poarch. She was retired from Century Furniture in Hickory with 46 years of service and a member of Hudson First Baptist Church. She was a devoted and loving sister, wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family. Iris enjoyed gardening and cheering for both the UNC Tarheels and the Atlanta Braves.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, James Tony Pritchard; her brothers, Jim, David "Buddy", Doug and Jesse "Arlen" Poarch; and a son-in-law Thomas R. B. Waylett.

Survivors include her daughter, Karen P. Waylett of Southport, NC; Pam Hartley and husband Steve of Florence, SC; her grandchildren, Taylor W. Gaines of Gainesville, FL; Dr. Christopher Gaines and his wife Allyson K. Gaines of Morehead City, NC; a great grandson Brody Christopher Gaines; a sister, Lucille Ward and husband Ray of Elk Park, NC and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Her funeral service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Hudson First Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Mack Jarvis III officiating. Burial will follow at Sardis Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives prior to the service at the church from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The family respectfully requests that memorials be made to Hudson First Baptist Church, Sunshine Basket Mission Group, 345 Main Street, Hudson, NC 28638 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Online condolences to the family may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Iris Marie Poarch Pritchard.