Wanda "Jo" Irwin

Beloved wife and mother Wanda "Jo" Irwin passed away on October 14, 2015 under care of Hospice of the Southwest at Childer's Place in Amarillo, Texas. She passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family.

Jo was born to Myrle and Eula Edens in Roosevelt, Oklahoma on August 26, 1930. Excelling in all endeavors, Jo Irwin graduated from Kimball High School as valedictorian. On May 9, 1952, she married the love of her life, David Earl Irwin in Kimball, Nebraska. With the loving collaboration of her husband David, Jo created a solid, nuturing environment in which to raise their family.

Over the years Jo had many different interests. Of the most prominent, were a keen interest in bridge and activities surrounding the family. She taught bridge for many years and achieved the status of Life Master. Jo cooked the most outstanding meals always accompanied by lively family conversation. Her vivacious charm and witty asides kept the dialogue flowing. While raising her family, Jo worked outside the home as a bookkeeper and dabbled in politics. She campaigned for local politicians and served as an election judge.

Jo Irwin is survived by her husband of 63 years, David Earl Irwin; their four children and spouses: Valerie Jo Gibbs (Robert Russel Gibbs), Vicki Lyn Sharrett (David Hastings Sharrett), Dr. Marc David Irwin (Stephanie Lane Irwin), and Jill Charlotte Irwin; nine grandchildren: Lise "Amber" Gibbs, Beth Opal Gibbs, and Meg Elizabeth Gibbs, Christopher Paul Sharrett and Brooks Vincent Sharrett, Ashley Amanda Franklin, David Earl Irwin and Marc Christian Irwin, and Kate Charlotte Dunaway; four great grandchildren: Kavya Camille Sengupta, Shreya Charlotte Sengupta, Eva Scarlet Franklin and Nolan David Franklin; and her three brothers Lee Ray Edens, Marland Clay Edens, and John Dewayne Edens.

She was preceded in death by her parents Myrle and Eula Edens, sisters Gaye Russell and Yolanda Billups, brother-in-law Neil Russell, nephew Michael Edens, and her grandson David H. Sharrett II, who died in Iraq.

Her strength and devotion to family will live on in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Funeral and memorial services will be held at Crown Hill Pavillion on Friday, October 16, 2015 at 2:00pm.