Irene Barrett

Irene Barrett passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at the age of 91 years, ten months and eleven days. Irene was born on March 15, 1921, in Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Arthur Alto and Flora Alice (Sims) Box. As a young girl Irene was raised in the Lawton, Oklahoma area where she attended school. During the time Irene lived in Lawton she met the love of her life Woodie Barrett. The couple was united in marriage on December 1, 1937, in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Following their marriage Irene and Woodie lived in the Cleveland area until 1960, when the family farm was bought by the United States for the establishment of Keystone Lake. Irene and Woodie then moved to Arkansas and began their new life as chicken farmers. The couple worked side by side in the business selling eggs and chickens and at the height of their production had over 10,000 chickens. In 1965, Woodie was stricken with medical problems and the couple was forced to sell the operation. Irene then began working at the Beebe High School in the cafeteria preparing meals for the students. She also worked at Andersonís Grill during her time she lived in Beebe. In the early 1970ís, Irene and Woodie moved to Conway, Arkansas and she gained employment with Conway Human Development Center as a cook. Irene worked there until the couple moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma in 1975. Irene remained in Cleveland until 1998, when she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be closer to her daughter. Irene loved to sew, read, crochet and embroidery. She also enjoyed making afghans for her family and spent many hours sewing clothes for her children, family and many others as well. Irene always put other people before herself and really enjoyed helping others. She loved to work in her garden and share the vegetables with her friends and family. Irene has been a longtime member of the Church of Christ and taught Sunday school for many years. Survivors are her daughter Janet Bohl of Tulsa, Oklahoma, son Jimmy Barrett of Tulsa, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren Linda, Denise, David, April, Jimmy Jr., Mary, Hannah; three great grandchildren Duncan, Alana and Devin and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Flora Box, father Arthur Box, spouse Woodie Barrett on February 11, 1990; daughter Gladys Berryhill, one brother George Box, three sisters Inice McEntire, Bernice Cates, Lorene Box and a grandson Ricky Hanson. Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, January 28, 2013, at the Woodland Cemetery Chapel with Brother Steve Sexson officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.