Irlean Cruse

Irlean Harriet Shoemake Cruse (“Mimi”) passed away on the 9th of October 2010, after a lengthy illness. George William Cruse, her beloved late husband, preceded her in death, but continued to be the love of her life. He was known by all to be a devoted, caring and generous husband and father. He lovingly supported each family member until the day he passed. She was also preceded in death by her five brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Cruse is survived by her beloved daughter, Babs Veyna, her primary caregiver and her grandson Bruce Leon Veyna II. She celebrated in each of his accomplishments, as her grandchildren were her passion. Her other survivors include her daughter Cheryl Reed, her beloved grandson Austin Stratton and granddaughter Staci Krosby and three great –grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her extended family members Martha Talley Kirkwood, Hollis Groppe Crow, Tomisu Friedkin, Georgann Cullen Sievert and Lance Funston. She treasured each one as her own.

The family would like to honor and express their gratitude to Dr. Manish Parikh, her attending physician for many years. He has been devoted to her health and welfare as he relentlessly cared for Mrs. Cruse. He has truly been her guardian angel. The family would also like to express gratitude to the many nurses at Memorial Herman Memorial City Hospital who lovingly cared for her in her last days. We would also like to thank our many brothers and sisters in Christ at Second Baptist Church.

Mrs. Cruse fought courageously throughout her last days until her final hour.

The family requests that friends attending the service wear “a touch of pink or lavender,” her favorite colors, as we honor and celebrate her life.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 14th of October, in the Drawing Room of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Friends are encouraged to gather with the family at a quarter-past nine o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 15th of October, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, where the funeral cortege will depart for the interment service at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

The memorial service is to follow at noon, also on Friday, in the Hankamer Chapel of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston, where Rev. Charles Townsend is to officiate.

Honored to serve as casket bearers during the services include her two grandsons: Bruce Veyna, II and Austin Stratton; as well as Lance Funston, Eric Mustin, Curt Taylor, and Alex Armstrong. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Johnny Outlaw, Jeff Shoemake, and Ed Shoemake.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Mrs. Cruse may be directed to Second Baptist Church , 6400 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX, 77057.