She matriculated from the St. Louis Public School System (STLPS) and the Harris Stowe State College. Irene developed young minds in the Writing Enrichment Lab in the STLPS throughout her career as an educator/mentor. She is the daughter of Beamenty Wendell Goodwin of Beaumont Texas and Myrtle Elizabeth Perdue Goodwin of Atlanta Georgia, the eldest sister of Agnes Hughes and Ida Goodwin Woolfolk, also the mother of Wilber T. Graham, who all preceded her in death.
She leaves to cherish her memory, a beautiful daughter, Irene Myrelia Chaudhry, grandson, Brandon C. Graham, three great-grandsons, Brandon T., Brandol R., and Baulan P. Graham; her "boyfriend who was not a boy," Mr. Wilbert C. Allen; first cousins Thelma D. Hannah of Atlanta Georgia, and Tommie D. Armstrong of Houston Texas, and a beautiful family of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Irene Elizabeth, self-proclaimed as a balanced Libra, was named in honor of her Maternal Grandmother. Her mother affectionately called her, “Sweet Irene." The name, Irene, hails from Greek Mythology and means “Goddess of peace” which it was her nature to be. St. Irene of Persia, also one of three sisters, was martyred for her faith along with her two sisters.
Irene was married to the late Wilbur T. Graham. From this union came her children, Irene Myrelia Chaudhry and Wilbur Thomas Graham Jr.
These were Irene's special qualities; phenomenal mother, low profile, neat, loved harmony, selfless, tomboy, tenacious, gentle, highest of integrity, extraordinary, meticulous, compassionate, thoughtful, an infectious smile, witty and wonderful sense of humor. She loved her family, her church, cloudy days, cold weather, rain, music, food and people.
She cherished her sisters and their families: her sister the late Agnes Beamenty Hughes, named in honor of her Paternal Grandmother, Agnes' son, Charles Wendell Creath, and Charles's children and grandchildren, and her sister the late Ida Martima Woolfolk, named in honor of her Paternal Aunt, Ida's daughter, Sarah-Myrtle Edwards, and Sarah's children.
The family would be remiss if they didn't mention these people and organizations that were so important in Irene's life. Her "Supporting Cast" if you will: Velma Coleman, Augustus and Earlie Barnes, Gerald and Deborah Snipes, Lunch Bunch, 801 Group, Donald Scales, Joyce Richardson, Joseph Kennard, Shear Images, and Sumner 46-51 Alumni.
