Irene Marie Wilkerson

Irene Marie (Stanley) Wilkerson, age 99 of Oklahoma City, passed from this life on February 18, 2019. Services have been entrusted to the care of Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services located at 7720 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 8am to noon at the funeral home and a service honoring her life will take place the same day at 2pm at Triumph Family Worship located at 3425 SW 44th in Oklahoma City.

Irene Marie Wilkerson was born on August 11, 1919 in Alex, OK on her family’s farm to Clarence and Mary Emmaline (Heying) Stanley. She attended Bradley Schools until 6th grade when she quit to go to work on the farm where she plowed, drove a horse and buggy, and worked hard to help her family. She never received her driver’s license, but she certainly knew how to drive a tractor. She met the love of her life, Edward Warren, and they were married on September 5, 1935. Together they raised three daughters – Geneva Joyce, Oleta Jane, and Edna Faye.

Edward and Irene moved their family to Oklahoma City in 1948 where they remained and planted roots for their family. Irene worked hard throughout her life as a homemaker and always made sure her family was well cared for. She was faithful member of Capital Hill Church of God for over two decades. She and Edward were happily married until his passing in 2008.

Irene was a woman of many interests. She enjoyed all things gardening and had her own garden in her backyard that she tended to, as well as her flowers. She was a great cook, and some of her specialties included fried chicken, cinnamon rolls and yeast buns. She ironed clothing, sheets and pillowcases for people charging them a dime a piece, and would use that money for Christmas.

Irene loved the Lord with all of her heart. She was fiercely independent and even mowed her own yard until she was in her mid-90’s because she knew exactly how she wanted it done. When she finally allowed her family to help her mow her yard, she was known to follow them around to guarantee they were doing it correctly. Irene always spoke her mind – she was a woman who would say what she meant and meant what she said. She never had a problem letting her children and grandchildren know if they were doing wrong. She was protective and kept a close eye on her neighbors to insure they were taken care of. She will be remembered as busy woman who was creative, selfless and always doing for others. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Warren; her parents, Clarence and Mary (Heying) Stanley; daughter, Geneva Beets; step-dad, Clay Hoyle; Brother, Leon Stanley; and step-sister, Evelyn Rolland.

She is survived by daughters: Oleta Roberson and husband Jay, and Edna Eddings and husband Tommy; Step brothers, L.B. and Edward Hoyle; and numerous other grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at Advantageokc.com.