The sister of a popular Tampa family died suddenly Wednesday evening at Memorial Hospital. She was 53 years old.

Ms. Irene Meteye was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. After several tests, it was determined that she had pneumonia.

Her sister, Ms. Denese Meteye James stated that Ms. Meteye was surrounded by several of her family members when she passed away around 6:30 p. m.

Ms. Meteye was the youngest girl in a family of 8. She attended the schools in Hillsborough County, graduating from Chamberlain. She spent several years in the school system as a Cafeteria Manager, with Potter Elementary being her last assignment before retiring.

Ms. Meteye enjoyed fishing and spending time with the family’s African American motor home group. This past weekend the family took their motor home down to the campgrounds of Daytona Beach. “I didn’t go this time,” Ms. James said, “but they told me that Irene and one of my brothers did karaoke, which is surprising to me because my brother is so shy,” she said.

Ms. Meteye visited several churches in the community, but visited First Baptist Church of College Hill more than others.

Funeral services are incomplete at press time, however, Creal Funeral Home of St. Petersburg will handle arrangements.

Among Ms. Meteye’s survivors are: son, Charles Langston, significant other, Theodore (Ted) Allen; sisters other than Denese, Carolyn Meteye, Leonida Meteye Owens and Louise Meteye Leggett (who buried her husband a few weeks ago); brothers, Raymond, Ralph and Clemon Meteye.