Irene Martin Wassell, age 93, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Born on September 19, 1931, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas to the late Leslie Martin and Cora Edna Jones. Irene lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to her family, community, and to her profession.
Irene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was known for her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering faith. Irene dedicated her life to nurturing her family and supporting her community through various charitable activities. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Irene is survived by her loving children: Lisa Voss (David) of Cumming, GA, Cindie Nowling (Ernie) of Quitman, AR, and Eric Wassell (Stacie) of North Little Rock; 10 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of love and kindness. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Bill J. Wassell, who she now joins in eternal rest.
Irene grew up in a rural community in Benton County, graduating from Siloam Springs High School in 1949. She attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville before accepting a job working for the FBI in Washington DC. She married a dashing young Air Force pilot in 1953 and began their adventure which resulted in assignment at 13 different bases over the next 23 years, including a 3-year stint in Yokota, Japan.
Upon retirement from the service, they settled in North Little Rock, Arkansas and Irene proceed to complete the raising of her 3 children. In the intervening years Irene returned to college completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She spent the next 30 years working as a journalist at the Arkansas Gazette and later at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, almost 18 years of that time as food editor. She has authored several cookbooks and hosted numerous cooking shows at the Robinson Center in conjunction with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Irene was a 50 year member of the local PEO chapter, a faithful member of Park Hill Baptist church in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and a shark at the Bridge table.
A visitation for Irene will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, AR 72117. A funeral service will follow from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the same location. Irene will be laid to rest at Rest Hills Memorial Park, where a committal service will take place from 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM.
Rest in peace, Irene. Your love and light will continue to shine in our hearts forever.
