Sister Irene Bibbie

President’s Award for Denominational Support

Early Life

Irene Bibbie was born in 1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is one of seven children born to Arthur and Evelyn Lee. She attended South High School in Grand Rapids, and later studied stenography, speech, and business at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois.

Serving the Pentecostal Church

Irene served for many years at Morgan Park Assembly/Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park, under the leadership of two pastors, Suffragan Bishop Robert Baggett and Bishop William A. Ellis. For a number of years, Irene Bibbie coordinated the travel of guest speakers including Bishop Noel Jones for church programs and conventions. She was also the lead Usher Board member for several years. 

Irene Bibbie has been a member of the Victory Apostolic Church under the leadership of District Elder Andrew Singleton, Jr. for approximately 16 years. She has served as an usher, deaconess, hospitality committee member, Senior Ministry member, travel consultant, and usher for the Victory Association Summits.

In her former denomination, The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Irene Bibbie, served as International Secretary of the PAW Usher Board, was Illinois District Council Secretary, and Tour Coordinator for the various national conventions for the PAW International Young People’s Conventions. During Suffragan Bishop Noah Nicholson’s tenure as present of the Young People’s Union, Irene Bibbie was responsible for arranging transportation for the convention speakers. 

Irene's Community Impact

Irene Bibbie worked with Travel Brokers in Homewood, Illinois and other agencies, retiring in 2022. During her 40-year career, Irene Bibbie brought saints together from PAW churches across the United States to travel and fellowship all over the world by land and sea. She is noted for guiding tours and travel experiences on all continents for many groups, families, churches, and other organizations, many of whom had never considered travel before.

For a time, Irene was employed at Old Kent Bank (now 5th/3rd Bank) in Harvey, Illinois. For 30 years she worked at School District 147 in Harvey, Illinois as the secretary for the middle school, special education secretary in the main office, library clerk at Washington School, and secretary for the Assistant Superintendent. She also coordinated the first annual awards ceremony and the first District 147 Handbook which has continued to be updated annually for 20 years. A huge sports fan for young people, Irene Bibbie coached the elementary school cheerleaders, 3 of whom became Thornton High School cheerleaders. She also coordinated class trips for Rosa Parks Middle School graduates. At 89 years young, Irene Bibbie continues to attend high school, college, and professional sporting events for graduates of School District 147 and Thornton Township High School.

Irene's Family Life

Irene Bibbie was married to the late Donald Bibbie, Jr. for 65 years and was blessed with three sons: Donald (Carolyn), Lamont (Sherron), and Duane (Latonya). Each of her sons holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She also has a grandson and two great granddaughters.