Nellie Opal Irwin

Nellie Opal Irwin was promoted to her heavenly home on Friday, August 11, 2017 surrounded by her family at the age of ninety-seven. Nellie was born in Carney, Oklahoma on October 24, 1919. She was one of ten children born to Elvin Thomas "Shorty" and Louisiana Zany (Inskep) Wilson. She moved with her family at an early age to the Ralston and Fairfax area in rural Osage County. Nellie's mother passed away when Nellie was nine years old. She spent much of her time growing up assisting in the running the family home including working in the fields and picking cotton.

Nellie was married to Lester Edward Irwin on December 8, 1938 in Pawnee, Oklahoma. The couple established their home in Blackburn, raising four children, Gearldine “Gerri” Opal, Edward Darrel, Linda Kay and Elvin Frank. . The couple moved to a home in Cleveland in the late 1960's and then built a new home on West Osage in 1970. Lester preceded her in death after thirty-seven years of marriage on January 20, 1975.

Prior to the death of her husband, Nellie received training as a nurse's aide. She then accepted a position with the Cleveland Manor Nursing home and continued working after Lester’s death. In total she was employed for nearly thirteen years at the Nursing Home and then also at the Cleveland Area Hospital for two years.

Nellie was a devoted member of the First Assembly of God Church and attended regularly until her health prohibited her attendance. Her hobbies including skills she learned as a young child including gardening, canning, and cooking. One of her most memorable dishes was chicken and noodles and she would start preparing breakfast of homemade biscuits at an early hour, making it nearly impossible for those in the house to sleep late. She also loved to visit and could often be seen walking throughout the community of Cleveland talking with the many friends and acquaintances she established over the many years. Nellie was described by her family as an extremely loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend. She was devoted to her family and was giving and happy her entire life; displaying constantly her love for Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit that dwelled within her.

In addition to her husband Lester, Nellie was preceded in death by her parents; nine siblings, Martha Wilson Barber, Lillian Wilson Johnson, Dellie Wilson Bates, Minnie Wilson Radliff, Agnes Mae Wilson, Lue Ellen Wilson Smith, Alford Wilson, Leon Wilson, and Mannford Wilson; son, Edward Darell Irwin; two granddaughters, Sue Lynn Wilson and Shawna Irwin Goddell; great-great granddaughter, Adysun Michelle Donnelly; four son-in-laws, Albert Ray Wilson, James Tilley, Jeff Pendergrass and Dan Tims.

Nellie is survived by two daughters, Gearldine Opal "Gerri" Pendergrass of Blackburn, Oklahoma and Linda Kay Tims of Cleveland, Oklahoma; son, Elvin Frank Irwin; nineteen grandchildren, Jimmie Leroy Wilson, Patricia Ann Wilson, David Ray Wilson, Paula Gail (Wilson) Donnelly and husband Brian, Peggy Faye (Tilley) Crownover and husband Kent, Leah (Worstell) Stalling, Danette (Worstell) Hines and husband, Steve, Eddie Lee Irwin, Nelle Dessie Irwin, Edward Darrel; Irwin II, Danny Lynn Tims, Jr., Janelle Renee (Tims) Craven and husband Matt, Tommy Ray Tims and wife, Cynthia, Travis Lee Tims, William Ely Biggs III, Lester Edward (Irwin) Stout II, E. J. Irwin, Jonathan Irwin, and Pete Irwin; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; thirty-four great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephew and friends who will mourn her passing.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the First Methodist Church in Blackburn with Rev. David Head officiating. Interment will follow at the Blackburn Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be David Wilson, Jimmy Wilson, Nellie Irwin, Brian Donnelly, John Donnelly and Lester Irwin Stout.