Irene Bailey, age 93, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at her home in Wewoka, Oklahoma surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born June 18, 1915 to Alec Walker and Annie Tiger Walker. She was raised near the Spaulding Community. Spot had to help care for her grandparents and was never allowed to attend school. She was a lifelong member of Middle Creek #2 Baptist Church, baptized on November 16, 1931 by Reverend George Tiger. Irene was ordained Sister’s Leader on March 5, 1977 by Reverend Tom Stewart.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Charlie, Terry, Dave, Robert and Jimmy Walker, Sr.; sisters: Katie Tiger, Eliza Harjo, Izora Bruner, Anna Henry, and Suzie Walker; two sons: Donald G. “Sockey” Bailey and Kenneth Bailey; one daughter, Viola Norman; and two grandchildren: Alex Norman and Pam Buck.
Surviving are her children; two sons: Charlie Bailey of Tulsa and Gene Harjo and wife, Geraldine, of Shawnee; four daughters: Sally Bailey Williams of Ponca City; Alene Bailey Miller and husband, Charlie, of Wewoka; Linda Buck of Holdenville;
Shirley Sanford and husband, Danny, of Holdenville; Inell Bailey of Tulsa; one sister-in-law, Lena Bailey, of Holdenville; twenty grandchildren, forty great grandchildren, and thirteen great-great grandchildren.
The family wished to acknowledge Faith Hospice, Trish Butner, and the numerous friends, relatives and churches that lifted Irene up in prayers, songs, food, and personal visits.
Evening prayer services were held at Hudson-Phillips Chapel on Monday, September 15, 2008 and Wake services at Middle Creek #2 Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 pm, Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at Holdenville’s First Baptist Church. Reverend Frank Moppin and Reverend George Harjoche. Others assisting with Irene’s services are Reverend Allison Phillips and Wayne Bailey. Pallbearers are grandsons: Greg, George, Don Bailey, Jr., Mark and Beau Miller, John and Jace Williams, and Brian and Kenny Chambers. Honorary pallbearers are Zack Buck, Marcy Mooney, Jerry Walker, George Franks, Glenn Harjo, Alfred Walker, Tommie Harjo, and Jack Bruner. Irene will be laid to rest at Middle Creek #2 Church Cemetery under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home.