Irene Ramey Weatherly

Irene Ramey Weatherly of Rogers, Arkansas passed away October 18, 2012. She was 98. She was born at Brinkley, Arkansas on September 18, 1914 to Scafe and Bruce Wilson Ramey. After living in Tillar and rearing a family, she resided in McGehee where she owned and operated The Fabric Center and Irene's Drape Shop for many years, making draperies and other textile items. A single mother since the 1960's, Irene especially loved and appreciated her family. She acknowledged and celebrated even the smallest accomplishment by any of her children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren. She attended countless programs, church events, reunions and graduations. Irene loved birthdays and always remembered family with cards, calls and gifts. She loved God and reared her children in church. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of McGehee for many years. Irene was a gifted businesswoman and understood the need for civic responsibility. She was a patriot who remained interested and active in politics. Locally, she was active in PTA and the Home Demonstration Club. She served as President of the McGehee Business Women's Council and spearheaded significant community improvements and beautification projects for which the City of McGehee presented her a formal award. She was a creative and talented person. She could design and sew virtually anything, and as a member and officer of the McGehee Garden Club, she was active at both the state and national levels, winning many awards for her floral designs and horticulture. Irene loved and excelled at gardening; the yard of her home in McGehee was always spectacular. Irene loved to have fun with people. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards and was a golfer for many years. She remained particularly fond of fishing until the time of her death, even celebrating her 96th birthday with a family fishing trip. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Doris Gail Weatherly. She is survived by: Joyce Brown of Little Rock, Fred (Barbara Walker) Weatherly of Brinkley, Shirley (Doug) Rather of Rogers, Gloria (Tom) Hopper of Rogers, and Betty Weatherly of Monticello. Other survivors include 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Bob Neal & Son Funeral Home at 300 West Hemlock in Brinkley, Arkansas on Sunday, October 21 at 3 p.m. Visitation will be 2-3 p.m. prior to the service. Reverend Phil Spigner, Associate Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church (Little Rock) will officiate. Interment will be at Philadelphia Cemetery on Highway 302 southwest of Brinkley. Pallbearers include grandsons, David Brown, Freddie Weatherly, Alan Weatherly, Kent Weatherly, Mason Rather, Scott Hopper, Blake Hopper, and Clint Hopper.