Mrs. Earlene Ikerd Waldrup

Earlene Waldrup, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024. Born on August 28, 1937, in Dublin, Coahoma County, Mississippi, she grew up in Clarksdale, MS, in the heart of the Mississippi delta.

Earlene's life was marked by faith, dedication, and love. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Gettis Waldrup; her parents, Charles Brantley Ikerd, Jr. and Opal Christine Ikerd; her sister, Hazel Ikerd Barron (Frank); her brother, Charles Brantley Ikerd III (Saundra).

As a child, Earlene attended Clarksdale Baptist Church and, as a teenager, became an active member of Riverside Baptist Church. Her spiritual journey continued as she became a devoted follower of First Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL, where her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life.

Earlene was a proud alumna of Mississippi College, where she earned her bachelor's degree and met the love of her life, Larry G. Waldrup. They were married on December 19, 1959, and moved to Huntsville, AL, in 1961. Earlene began her career as a schoolteacher in Shabuta, MS, and later taught at Buckhorn High School and a federally funded job training program in Huntsville, AL.

Together with Larry, she operated Waldrup Studio, Inc., later known as Larry Waldrup Photography, specializing in school and senior portrait photography. Their professional and personal partnership was a testament to their mutual respect and enduring affection. Earlene retired in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love.

Earlene's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. Her warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. She is survived by her daughter, Kristi Waldrup McHugh; son-in-law, William Patrick McHugh III; grandson, William Brantley McHugh; granddaughter, Madison Bailey McHugh; son, George Brantley Waldrup; and Lieutenant Colonel Barney Frank Barron (retired) (Hazel), along with many other family members and friends.

A celebration of Earlene’s life will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens on Saturday, August 3, 2024. A reception in her honor will start at 2 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund.

Earlene Waldrup’s legacy of faith, love, and dedication will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.