Iris Kornegay Pritchard

July 15, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Iris Kornegay Pritchard, 87, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully Thursday, July 15, 2021. She was born in Bennettsville, SC on October 31, 1933 to Mattie Fuquay and Zebulon Vance Kornegay the youngest of six children. Iris grew up in the same house that she and her two siblings were born in. She graduated Bennettsville High School and attended Winthrop College for two years. Iris then moved to Charlotte in September of 1954 and went to work for Belk Buying Services.

In April, 1959 she married Joseph “Joe” Price Pritchard, who was a native Charlottean, who increased her love of the area.

Iris started modeling in Charlotte in 1954 and continued until the late 1970's for nearly 25 years. Her modeling career included Belk's, Ivey's, Montaldos, Lucile Vogue, Mellons, The Carriage, Burlington Industries and Celeanese (she modeled and directed their shows in Charlotte, Maryland and Virginia). She also made pictures and commercials for Alderman Studios of High Point.

In 1955 she was elected “The Maid of Cotton” for South Carolina and traveled extensively that year as the SC representative. Prior to that, she was elected Miss Bennettsville and was in the Miss SC contest and attended pageants around the state during 1954. She represented The Charlotte Observer in the Press Photographers convention in 1955. With all these activities, she enjoyed and loved meeting people wherever she went. Iris was often on local television shows during the time frame of the Betty Feezor and Pat Lee shows.

Her passion in life was always animals both wild and tame, but most of all cats. She leaves behind her beloved cat, Tiz and faithful dog, Jeb.

The greatest events of her life were the birth of her two sons, Jody, in 1972 and Matthew in 1976. They were her pride and joy and she never wanted to leave their side, and rarely did.

Iris is survived by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Price Pritchard and her sons, Joseph “Jody” Price Pritchard V and Matthew Pritchard; her sister, Elizabeth K. Coffey of Charlottesville, VA. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and sisters, Sara Lee Odom and Doris Kornegay; two brothers, Jack Kornegay and Lloyd Kornegay.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 6, 2021 at Magnolia Gardens Cemetery, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC.

Memorial contributions may be offered on behalf of Iris to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Paulette Kerr

    Dear Joe,

    I always looked forward to a phone visit with Iris. We shared so many memories in modeling days, Heart Ball functions and she was always the Belle of the Ball.
    Beautiful picture and perfect obituary.
    Best to you and your family. Paulette Kerr

  • Betsy Coffey-Chaudet

    I sure did love my Aunt Iris. What a gem! She was such an enriching part of my childhood. I loved our "chats" in adulthood, too. One of my most favorite Aunts. Elegant, Polished, Regal. I loved her house, her cats (Weedie :)), her dogs, Joe, the fact that she had two BOYS, her career, her love of the beach and family, her southern accent (Beeetsy, this is Iiiiiris) her memories.
    Such a unique person!
    I will really miss her.
    Betsy

  • Lee Ann Kornegay

    What a wonderful and always treasured love I had for my aunt Iris. My mother’s roommate at Winthrop. She introduced her brother Jack to my mom and they had a lovely romance and long marriage. Iris was a beauty inside and out and I will always remember her vivacious and charismatic spirit.

  • David and Joyce Fuquay

    Please accept our most sincere condolences.. Iris was a cousin, but 19 years older than me. I remember my father speaking of her often, as well as Jack, Lloyd, Sarah Lee, Doris and Elizabeth. I certainly remember them and their mother and father, and meeting them at Fuquay family reunions.

  • Kenneth Bell

    I only got to meet Mrs. Pritchard one time. However I have known Matt for a long time and I know the love and admiration he had for her. I offer my prayers for him and his families great loss.