Irene Hope Dates

Irene Hope Dates, 88, of Leesville was born December 2, 1937. She peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 19, 2026. There will be a Memorial/Worship service celebrating her life on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation following the service at First Baptist Church of Leesville where she was a member since 2015. The Rev. Charles Leonhardt will be officiating. 

Irene loved to sing and play the piano. She was married to Leon Dates for 20 years before he passed away in 2009. They loved to travel, play golf and walk on the beach in Siesta Key Florida. She has always been an active member of her church. She loved going to Bible studies and singing in the choir. She sang in a trio at Cedarville College for Dr. Jeremiah (the father of Dr. David Jeremiah) as he traveled and preached. She was a Prayer Warrior, always praying for others. 

Surviving are her daughters, Debbie Engle (Dan), Karen Leonhardt (Charles); son, Kevin Getty (Marcia); step-daughter, Linda Ulmann; grandchildren, David Getty (Whitney), Connor Leonhardt, Taylor Getty, Rachel Williams (Chris), Patrick Leonhardt (Courtney), Patrick Engle (Kailey), Amy Barnhill (Eric), Scott Ulmann (Chani), Lindsay Radosta (Joe); 12 great grandchildren; and many nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Beulah and William B. Patterson Sr.; husband, Leon Dates; father of her children, C. Norman Getty; brother, William B. Patterson Jr; and sister, Eleanor Turnbull; a granddaughter, Laura Beth Getty.

Thank you to all the caregivers at Generations of Batesburg for your love and care for her.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to Generations of Batesburg, 111 Generations Blvd. Batesburg, SC 29006. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel is assisting the Dates family with arrangements

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