Irene Henley Robbins went to her Heavenly home on May 22, 2017. She was born on May 20, 1936 in Wewoka, Oklahoma, to Dewey Dallas and Launa Lillian Cummings Henley.
One of Irene’s greatest joys in life was serving and giving to others. She was truly a selfless and cheerful giver. For over 50 years, her dear friend, Doris and she held a special Christmas Party for many nursing home and home bound friends.
The little party that was held in her own home grew to be a very large event held in her church fellowship hall to accommodate over 150 guests. Many of her friends have shared how much Irene has meant to them over the years.
If you knew Irene I’m sure you have a story to tell about one of her famous parties. Many friends have shared their stories about a special birthday, shower, celebration or “just because” party Irene held in their honor.
Irene’s family meant the world to her. She always planned special holiday celebrations, especially Christmas. It was always full of love, food, gifts and fun!
She also made sure her family had special vacations. Florida was a special annual vacation for the last 40 plus years and many special memories were made during those years.
Irene enjoyed working up until a few months ago doing her estate sale business that grew out of helping friends. She met many special people over the years and had many precious friends that helped her build the business.
She was a devoted wife to Marvin for over 60 years and kept him young at heart with all her many adventures.
Irene loved her church and church family and was a faithful member for many many years. When she found out about her cancer, she quickly made the decision to not take treatments.
She didn’t want her family to see her suffer, and she firmly said she had no regrets and was ready to go Home. It’s hard to say good-bye, and we mourn her loss, but if you knew Irene you know she made other people’s life as special as she could and she lived her own life to the absolute fullest!
Goodbye for now precious wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. We thank you for your life you shared so freely and we will see you again at the ultimate Heavenly celebration!
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of over 60 years, Marvin Robbins; her son, Gregory Robbins and husband Cliff Blake; her daughter, Karen Kaay Hines and husband Tim Hines; two grandsons, Andrew and wife Christina Bonds, and Justin Bonds; and a granddaughter, Allison Bonds; three great-grandchildren, Aaron, Cadence and Chloe Bonds; and several very special nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents; sister, Trudy Harris; brother, C.D. Henley; brother-in-law, Lloyd Harris; and son-in-law, Paul Bonds.
Funeral service will be Friday, May 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in the Grand Avenue Baptist Church with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery of Fort Smith all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Bob Crawford, Dick James, Roy Tipton, Enoch Duffee, Willard Horton, John Goff and Carrol King.
The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 5-7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grand Avenue Baptist Church “Helping Hand Ministry” or Midland Heights United Methodist Church “Clothes for Souls” Ministry.
