Iris Girling, 100 years old, traded her sword and shield for heavenly wings during the early morning hours of December 22, 2023, at home in Niceville, Florida, with family by her side. She was born on August 31 1923, in Worthing, England, she was the daughter of Stephen D. Clifton and Muriel Maud Ruff.
During World War II, Iris united with the love of her life, husband, Arthur James while she was performing her duties with the British Red Cross and serving breakfast to American servicemen. They were married in September 1944 and after the war, she sailed to the U.S. in January 1946 on the SS Argentina and ultimately settled in Norwood, Massachusetts, where her son, Allan James, was born.
Iris was a curious and clever blue-eyed girl and at an early age achieved an award for an unprecedented 1037 days of perfect attendance at the Sussex Road Girls School in Worthing, England. Although WWII diluted her dreams of higher education, Iris ultimately obtained her GED degree after moving to Atlanta, Georgia, and attended several continuing education classes focused on world history and dressmaking. She devoted her life to the community with countless hours of volunteer work and assisting others. Her participation in both the British and American Red Cross spanned decades with numerous contributions to British wartime efforts, serving local blood donation events in Atlanta, Georgia, and tirelessly fulfilling pharmacy assistant duties at the military base in Fort McPherson, Georgia, and Eglin Air Force Base in Niceville, Florida. Giving back to the community was a priority to Iris and in addition to the Red Cross, she devoted time to other organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Atlanta chapters of the 4-H club, Delta Airlines Christmas lounge events supporting military troops and Niceville’s H2U.
Iris was passionate about knitting and was rarely without yarn and needles in hand or nearby. She kept hundreds of souls warm with donations of handmade knit sweaters, bed-socks, and hats which gained praise from Samaritan’s Purse during their Operation Christmas Shoebox drives and appreciation from the Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton County.
Iris was sharp of mind, spirit, and wit. She left an indelible impression on all who met her and had a unique perspective that added color to every conversation. She was opinionated and stubborn, fiercely independent, and a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Iris’s hobbies included gardening, keeping up with current events, solving a daily crossword and word-search puzzles, “old-fashioned” letter correspondence with friends and family, and most recently tackling new skills on her Grandpad tablet. However, what drew her awe and inspiration was anything with wings. Iris loved birds, and as a child dreamed of flying like one.
Iris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur James Girling; her only son, Allan James Girling; and a half-sister, Barbara Gollop (England).
She is survived by her two granddaughters, Allyn Girling (Simona) and Jacine Robinson (Chris); two great-grandsons, Gabriel Robinson and Adrian Robinson; sister-in-law, Helen Westergard; two nieces, Marcia Simmons and Linda Westergard; nephew, Peter Hartshorn (Cristina); half-brother, John Bashford; half-sister, Mary Bunn (both of England); and last but not least, her beloved senior cockatiel named “Boy.”
Fly high, Super Nanny G…we will miss you. Love you a bushel and a peck.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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