Irissa Lakes

A Look into the Life of...
Irissa H. Lakes

Irissa H. Lakes was the oldest of 10 children born to the late Ernestine and Arthur Jones on April 4, 1943 in Chicago Illinois. Irissa gave her life to Christ at an early age where she attended the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago Illinois; later serving there on the usher board with her late husband, Ozzie Lakes.

Irissa was raised in the Morgan Park area where she attended the John D. Shoop Elementary School and the Morgan Park High School both in the Chicagoland area. Irissa had many nicknames: Reese, Reese Cup, The Warden and more recently affectionately called Chickey by her son-in-law, Nate; but the greatest names to her were mother or Momma called her by her 5 children. She raised or help to raise grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, 3 foster children and many others---all of whom adored her. Irissa was so loved and gave so much love!

Anyone would tell you that Irissa was one of the hardest working women you would ever meet; sometimes taking on two jobs while raising her 5 children. Her work experience as an order filler at Crodar Inc. for 20 years and a waitress at Steak and Eggs for 15 years---not to mention being the oldest of 10 siblings brought great responsibility, all of which contributed to her great work ethics...her life experiences were being nourished all along the way. And, because she never let anything interfere with what God had in store for her; Irissa became an entrepreneur, the proud owner of L&L Soul Food in Roseland Illinois for 7 years.

One of the more memorable times for Irissa was being with her 12 talented siblings (they all either sang and/or danced) gathering at the Roots Community Picnic for a great time to be had by all in the community. Her never-wavering faith in God carried her through her illnesses...when the doctors marked her time she trusted in the Lord, knowing that He is the author and finisher of her earthly life until her new resurrected forever life with Him.