On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Veronica Sue Irwin, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, entered into eternity at the age of 69. Veronica, lovingly known as Sue or “Nina” was born October 24, 1951, to Johnnie Zara Claborn and Patsy Faye Carter at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama.
Sue was married to her lifelong love, Stephen Irwin for 52 years. Sue worked at American General Insurance in Houston, Texas for many years leaving to work alongside her husband in the pursuit of their own business. They started their family in Houston and moved to Conroe in 1979 where she lived until her death.
She was preceded in death by her father Johnnie Claborn, and her mother Patsy Faye Carter, her sister Johnnie Faye Grovouia, and her husband Stephen Allen Irwin.
She is survived by her children, daughter Rachel Woodward and husband James, daughter Sheila Irwin Blavat and husband Todd, and her two sons Stephen Irwin Jr and, John Irwin. She leaves behind her sister, Debra Garcia, brother Mark Claborn and wife Danna Claborn, and sister Helen Claborn.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren: Joshua, Matthew, Bryan, Kelly Ann, Julia Kay, Samuel, TJ, Oscar “Bo” Mendoza, and Eric, and was especially proud of her great-grandchildren: Melody, Ronni Sue, Claire, and Adelynn Mae.
Sue had many lifelong friends and enjoyed time spent with them at many parties, barbeques, boating, and camping trips. She had many fond memories of the time spent together.
Sue had a green thumb and could bring anything back to life. She loved traveling and dancing with her husband. She also enjoyed sitting on her front porch drinking coffee and watching hummingbirds.
She lived for her family and no one was ever a stranger to her. She had an open-door policy and many took that opportunity to be heard and comforted. Our beloved Nina will be greatly missed by all.