Iris Alberta Vaceannie, also fondly known as Aunt Iris, was a baker, cook, dressmaker, and fashionista. She was born on December 24, 1927, to Ephigene Morgan and Baltymore Walker in Kingston, Jamaica. She attended Saint Simon Basic School and later sewing classes in Kingston, Jamaica.

From an early age, Iris showed a natural gift for homemaking and creating. On Sundays, after returning home from church - a firm presence throughout her life - she would sell handmade ice cream to the neighborhood children. Her love for making things later led her to sewing classes after she graduated from school.

Her life took an unexpected turn when she became pregnant with her first child, Norman Vasceannie, and adopted Dorothy Johnson around the same time. As a daddy’s girl, working outside the home was not part of the plan. However, she later met the next love of her life, Ceci Brown, and Courtney Brown made his entrance. After she migrated to the United States, she met and married Mr. Dawkins and her daughter Effie Dawkins made her entrance, completing Iris’ family structure.

Iris was determined to help her children succeed, and she worked two jobs for most of her working life at Betty Abrahams and Kings Harbor nursing and rehab facilities. She later married Phillip Vaceannie, Norman’s father, who preceded her in death. And if that was not enough, she invited her 17-year-old nephew, Wade Walker, from Jamaica to live with her and cared for him as well. Wade also predeceased her.

While residing in the Bronx, she joined St. Luke's Church and continued her desire to always give back. Iris retired at the age of 62 and moved to Florida to live in her dream home in Port St. Lucie. Throughout her life, her homes were always the entertainment spot. In fact, some of her parties produced several successful marriages.

Once in Florida, Iris again accepted the call to serve and became a member of her church. Without hesitation, she rolled up her sleeves frying fish, baking cakes for church events. In fact, her cakes were always in demand during the holidays.

In December 2015, Iris moved back to live with her son, Norman and his wife, who cared for her until her passing. In 2025, she contracted COVID, which left her severely weakened. She never fully recovered and later entered Little Neck Care Center, where she passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Aunt Iris is in a better place, but she will surely be missed by her four children, five stepchildren, grandchildren, only living sibling, brother Gifford Walker, daughters and son-in-law, her only sister-in-law, Millicent Walker as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and associates. Rest in peace Aunt Iris. and may God’s perpetual light shine upon you. Amen