Iris Austin Bingham

Iris Bingham, 93, of Greensboro passed away at her home on May 10, 2025, following a short illness.

Iris Lee Austin Bingham was born in Albemarle, NC on April 18, 1932, to Alfred Lee and Onnie Mae (Cooper) Austin.

Iris's family moved to Denton NC, and then to Asheboro NC, where she attended Asheboro High School.

Around 1964, Iris moved along with her husband Bill and four children to Winter Park FL. The family then relocated to Daytona Beach FL, where they lived until 1969. At that time Iris and family moved to Sumter SC, where they settled in order to be closer to home and family in NC. After retiring from the SC Employment Security Commission, Iris returned to Greensboro NC for the remainder of her life.

Iris will be remembered as an amazing force of nature, full of life, laughter, courage, and spirit. She was the strongest person we ever knew, a two time survivor of lung cancer, and faced any adversity fearlessly. She was a wonderful, fun loving mother and loyal friend. Iris had a quick, witty, and comedic personality, and loved bursting into hilarious laughter often! She loved music and singing, possessing excellent taste encompassing many genres and eras. Throughout her life, Iris was known to be youthful and young at heart no matter her age, both in appearance and attitude. She was forever the "cool" mom and gram, all the way to 93!

As she shone so brightly in life, she will always be a spectacular shining star in the heavens, reminding us to always be strong, live life to its fullest, and most importantly, to never stop laughing. We will miss her so very much.

In addition to her parents, Iris was preceded in death by her former husband and lifelong best friend, Raymond C. “Bill” Bingham, brother James D. “Buddy” Austin, and sister Betty Ellen “Sister” Luther, and nephew Phillip Luther.

Iris is survived by her four children; son, William C. “Billy” Bingham (Julie) of Spruce Pine, NC, and daughters, April Renée Bingham of Greensboro, NC, Pamela Spencer Thompson of Columbia, SC and Terri Spencer Jones also of Columbia, SC. She is survived by 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, 3 nieces and a nephew. She is also survived by her beloved dog and faithful companion, Stormy.

Special thanks to caregivers Dawn Donnelly and Cheryl Austin, and to loving neighbors Glenda, Pearl and Sue.

The family will be honoring Iris’s life privately and no public services will be held.

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Bingham family during this time.