Irene Dais

Irene Dais State and Federal Government Executive – Public Servant December 17,1950 - January 3,2024 A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. Irene was born on December 17, 1950, in Marion, South Carolina. She was the fifth of seven children of Sandy and Adeline Dais. Irene grew up in a family that instilled strong values and Bible principles, which laid a wonderful foundation for her life. Her invaluable family training equipped her for building a deeply meaningful life filled with rich experiences focused on “Serving“ others. Irene was a joyful, outgoing child with a deep thirst for learning; she did well in school and took the initiative in helping others. She was not satisfied with mediocre and the norm, always striving to go beyond and build bridges. Her efforts in building bridges focused on bringing others together peacefully on various projects from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and ethnicities. In doing so, from the wisdom received from her grandparents and parents regarding The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) and the importance of “Serving” others, as they set an example from their Bible model. (Matthew 20:28) Irene graduated from Johnakin High School in 1968 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fayetteville State University in 1972. Additionally, earned two master’s degrees from Rider University in New Jersey and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, focused on Community Development and Urban Planning. She maintained a thirst for learning throughout her career and successfully pursued various Continuing Education Professional Development programs. She began her professional career with the New Jersey State Government Department of Community Affairs where she excelled. Her outstanding work resulted in her being selected to represent her NJ Department for a special Federal Government Fellowship Program in Washington, DC. Upon successful completion, she was awarded a second master’s degree from USC-Los Angeles. Later, she was appointed to a federal government executive position with a White House Liaison role during President William Clinton’s administration. While Irene soared and was selected for various leadership roles within her jobs and professional organizations, she always remembered her South Carolina roots. She endeavored to reach back and help many through her government and community relations role. These examples include disaster relief efforts for a Columbia, SC family’s total loss from fire; a Greenville, SC family struggling from loss of job, and an entire Marion County rural community in need of an EMS-Ambulance, and many others struggling from unexpected hardships. In the case of Marion County, obtaining a potential life-saving ambulance was historic. Irene’s efforts made a huge difference in providing a measure of relief. She also served as Chairperson for a Statewide South Carolina Department of Human Affairs initiative to promote Enhanced Human Relations between diverse community groups (government, corporate, small businesses and citizens). Prior to a long illness, Irene’s life was one as a public servant, where she found much fulfillment serving others. It’s as if, from a young girl, she started on a path to live the quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. , “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” ABOVE ALL, Jesus Christ said it BEST “…whoever wants to become great must be your minister or servant”( Matthew 20:26, 23:11). She was proceeded in death by her parents and her brother, Zachariah Dais. She leaves to mourn a brother, Romeo Dais of Madison, WI; four sisters: Rose Marie Lewis of Atlanta, GA (W. Arthur Lewis-deceased); Charine Dais of Hartsdale, NY; Arnetha Juliette Dais of Cary, NC, and Geraldine Dais of Cary, NC; one niece, Andrea Dais Lewis of Atlanta, GA, and two great-nephews, Christian Lewis Johnson and Alexander Lewis Johnson of Atlanta, GA, along with many cousins and countless friends. Irene loved traveling, to include various islands & ocean escapes within & outside the US. She was an excellent swimmer & avid tennis player. She also was an aerobics teacher & healthy lifestyle coach.

Irene Dais

December 17, 1950 - January 3, 2024