Irene began her Christian journey at age twelve at the Island Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Her spiritual life blossomed at the Bright Hope Missionary Baptist–where her faith grew stronger. She taught youth and adult Sunday School classes, became part of the Prayer Band, and learned to be active in missions.

Irene was educated in the Pender County and New Hanover County Public Schools, graduating from Pender County Training School in 1943. She completed her undergraduate studies at Elizabeth City Teachers’ College (now Elizabeth City State University) in 1947. After graduating, she began her educational career in the Philadelphia School System.

Friends introduced her to William (Bill) Van Travis during her time in Philadelphia. Irene often spoke of the great memories of their meeting, marriage, and travels. Their travel allowed them to visit several countries and islands–including three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe). She reflected on the real blessings, exciting learnings, and growing adventures.

In 1982, Irene completed a research project with a copyright candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. She set out to prove that African-American students could learn as well as anyone else, given the same environment and materials. Through this work, ‘specially’ designed language art modules were developed and utilized on inner-city students in Philadelphia. In 1986 her book, “Networks: Communicating In the World Today,” was published.

In 1988, Dr. Van Travis retired from the Philadelphia system after thirty-seven years. She and her husband relocated back to the Harrison Creek Community, where she continued a full life with deep commitments to church, community, civic organizations, and the local veteran’s association.

On a modestly warm day in July 1977, the sights and sounds of joy and laughter resonated in the yard of George and Luvenia Powell as members of the Graham family gathered from near and far. This gathering was the beginning of the Graham-Powell Family Reunion! These gatherings would bring together multiple generations to fellowship, reconnect, and share food and fun. However, Irene Van Travis desired more from these encounters. She envisioned supporting high school students while bringing the family together. In her late 80s, the retired educator started visualizing how to support student educational pursuits. She researched foundation development and organizational structure and created a draft of her vision. Progress stalled for several years, but after a medical episode in late 2020, Dr. Van Travis summoned her nieces and nephews to implement her vision. The Graham-Powell Family Educational Foundation, Inc. was officially organized in June 2021 and incorporated in North Carolina as a non-profit, receiving 501c3 designation in January 2022.

Concurrently, in 2021, the Dr. Irene Graham Van Travis Endowed Scholarship was established at Elizabeth City State University to support special education students from southeastern North Carolina. Dr. Irene Graham Van Travis, lovingly known in her community as  Aunt Irene, began a legacy of educators in the Graham-Powell family. There are more than two dozen active or retired educators, from elementary to post-secondary. The family patriarch (Robert Graham) fostered this environment of achievement and excellence within the family. We see it passed on through Irene to the children–grandchildren–great-grandchildren– great-great-grandchildren–and beyond. The Graham-Powell Family Educational Foundation, Inc. is only one result of the desire for achievement and excellence.

Aunt Irene passed on June 10, 2022. She witnessed her vision and dream of assisting students in their post high school goals becoming a reality. The foundation is a visible manifestation of her legacy. She was more than the family matriarch; she inspired those around her and provided guidance and leadership. Education is more than a family vocation. Because of Aunt Irene, education is almost a family ministry. Therefore, the work of the foundation is not only a continuation of Aunt Irene's legacy; but a response to God's many blessings to our family.