Irene Wilcox Strait

Irene was born in Houston, Texas to George Washington Wilcox and Florence Herring Wilcox , a few minutes ahead of her twin brother, David C Wilcox joining their 3 yr old brother, George C Wilcox. She excelled in dance from a young age and continued throughout her life. Irene was successful in any endeavor - from winning the State Shorthand Award to earning inclusion in the National Honor Society. Known as Dimp by friends (because she had one beautiful dimple) and Sissy by family, her warmth was irresistible, her smile charming, her enthusiasm contagious and her incredible blue eyes unforgettable. Irene attended Milby High School in Houston where she was voted most Popular and Miss Valentine. She graduated in 1947 and moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas - eventually deciding to move back home to Houston. Little did she know that one day Austin would be her home for over 50 years and where she and Danny would raise their four children and celebrate 63 years of marriage Mar 04, 2014.

Danny, being Daniel L. Strait, a native Chicagoan who had moved to Houston after his service in the war. Timing is everything! And the timing was right for these two opposites to attract! Dan was a Yankee, a flirt, a hot-rodder of sorts, and of all things, a marvelous dancer. And they started dancing. And they danced together from that day forward.

In 1963, she and Dan moved from Houston to Austin as Dan had been awarded the Baldwin Piano Franchise in Austin. They began a journey of hard work and partnership in building Strait Music Company - now in business over 50 years Today Strait Music is still in the family - with the next 2 generations already at the helm and the 4th generation born in May 2014.

Irene, Mom, Gram, Aunt Sissy, Sis, Dimp, Great Gram, talented painter, incredible seamstress, amazing chef, creative writer, wondrous homemaker; a uniquely special mother, a beloved grandmother, a dedicated wife, a devoted daughter, a special sister, a dear friend. Irene was all these and so much more - she touched the lives of anyone she met with her smile, her cooking, her art, her interest and concern. She became lifelong friends with her children's friends. She loved unconditionally and accepted patiently. She read voraciously and was a fantastic source of facts or information. She was open-minded and non-judgmental. She gave attention. She listened. She was one of a kind - a bundle of energy and creativity and love! Thankfully, she left us with many beautiful paintings and artwork that will pass to future generations of our family along with our cherished memories of an unforgettable woman!

Irene had a courageous and spirited 4 ½ year battle surprising her doctors time after time. She didn't slow down until recently - continuing to shop and cook and paint and decorate. She inspired us to keep striving, to stay positive, to put in the effort in the face of adversity and she taught us that family is where we will find love, comfort and joy. She will always be in our hearts, always be a part of who we are, and always be missed.

Irene was predeceased by her brother George C (Bubba) Wilcox, her parents George and Florence Wilcox, her dearest cousin Mary Nell Taylor, her wonderful aunts, uncles and extended family and friends; and her soul mate Mary Brient.

Irene is survived by her husband of 63 yrs. Danny; her twin brother, David; her four children and their families: daughter Danna L Strait, grandson Travis D Hammett; daughter Nancy Irene Strait; son Robert C Strait and wife Yogi, grandson Clinton C Strait and wife Katie, great-grandson Leo W Strait, granddaughter Ashlan A Strait; son David C Strait and wife Christina, grandchildren Steven Ausborn and wife Ashley, David Ausborn and wife Kendall, John Ausborn, Jeff Ausborn and wife Susie, Tasha Ausborn; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families.

Our family would like to thank all of Irene's Doctors, Therapists and Gentiva Hospice for their care and concern and their willingness to see her as an individual. We recognize Dr Ann Hathcock, Dr Lucid, Dr Soubra and Dr Babbar, Kitty Collins and all the Pulmonary Therapists at Seton and St David's who worked so purposely to improve her physical strength. And to all the friends she made in Therapy. We hope you know how important you were to her!

We extend all our gratitude to Danna who moved in with Mom and Dad in 2010 and Kenny in 2011 to help after her diagnosis. Danna was there for Mom everyday - physically and emotionally - and we can never thank them enough for making our Mom's last years the best they could be.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar. A reception will follow in the funeral home parlor.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a COPD Foundation, an Anti-Smoking Campaign, HAAM - http://www.myhaam.org/donate - or to a charity of your choice.