Irene Woodrum

There are some people who live their lives just going through the motions, their days seeming to fade into the background of the landscape of life. Then there are those who seem to bring harmony to the everyday melody of life, their footprints never washing away with the ebbing tide. Mamie Irene Woodrum was a remarkable woman with a genuine servants heart who made a profound impact on not only the world, but more importantly, the people around her. To Irene, life wasnt about what goals she could accomplish or what material wealth she could obtain, but rather about what she could give; and she gave all of herself to both her Lord and to those He placed in her life each and every day. During the decade from 1900 to 1910, things looked a bit different in our country as a policeman arrested a woman for smoking in public, there were only 8000 cars with ten miles of paved roads nationwide, and the life expectancy for a woman was 47.3 years. Mamie Irene Woodrum was born during this time to Francis and Estel (Rayphole) Pearson on September 17, 1908 in Indiana. Mamie, who always went by Irene, was joined in her family by two sisters and one half brother and all were primarily raised by their mother who stayed at home while their father worked as a farmer. Irene attended local schools through the eighth grade and soon experienced an exciting and drastic change in her life. A new chapter in Irenes life began when she met a young man named Amos Gus Woodrum whom she began dating. As fate would have it, they soon fell in love and became husband and wife on March 18, 1925 when Irene was just 16 years old. Shortly after they were married, the newlyweds moved to Muskegon, Michigan in search of work, a city Irene would call home for the rest of her life. The couple was soon blessed with the birth of their first of seven children including four sons: Francis, Harold, Glenn, and Paul and three daughters: Dorothy, Gladys, and Gloria. Their growing family settled into a home in E. Dale Ave in Muskegon which became graced with a unique front porch that was made from stones that Gus had collected from every county in Michigan. Gus worked to support his family at the Muskegon Auto Parts Salvage Yard and it was said that every mechanic in town knew him. It seemed as though Irene was born to be a mother as she not only completely embraced her role as a mother but she loved being a mother as well, and this truth radiated from her every day. She adored her children and loved them unconditionally despite the times that her boys gave her a run for her money. Irene was a great cook and was best known for her apple pie and homemade noodles with roast beef. Irenes role as a mother didnt just envelop her biological children but it grew to include her niece and nephew, James and Beatrice, who Irene raised as her own when their parents died. Faith was an important cornerstone in Irenes life and it was equally important to Irene that she instill her faith into her children and together they regularly attended the First Church of the Nazarene. Although Irene gained much joy and fulfillment through her roles as a wife and mother, there were additional ways that Irene found happiness as well. Extended family was always important to Irene also and during the 1950s and early 1960s, the Woodrum family relatives that lived in the area gathered together at the Grange Hall on Apple Avenue where they enjoyed a potluck dinner. Everyone brought their musical instruments and they played and sang mainly country and hillbilly music together, making memories that were fondly recalled year after year. Since money was always tight with their large family, Irene and Gus werent able to vacation often, but they did regularly get together with friends and had great times during an evening out at one anothers homes. Later in her life, Irene traveled down a few different paths that greatly enhanced her lifes journey. After her children had grown, Irene became involved with the foster parents program in Muskegon and over the years, she was a foster mother to over 50 children. Although life became more difficult for Irene when her beloved Gus died in 1976, she continued to live on her own in their house and to spend time with her family, drawing strength from wrapping herself up in the love they gave her. Irene cherished her grandchildren as she had her own children and loved babysitting h as often as she could. Irene was active in the Disabled American Veterans Club and liked attending their weekly meetings and playing bingo there as well. She continued to enjoy knitting and crocheting and lived on her own until she was in her nineties. Life took another change in direction for Irene when her health began to require more hands on care and she moved into Brookhaven Medical Care Facility, in 2001. Although she wasnt really in favor of making the move, she made the best of her situation and looked forward to the visits from children and the times they took her out for meals too. Irene spent the remainder of her days at Brookhaven until the years eventually took their toll. With her generous spirit and compassionate heart, Irene Woodrum continuously brightened the days of those around her. She was thankful for each day she was given, weathering both the splendor of the sunny days and the fury of the storms as well, including outliving not only her beloved husband, but four of her precious children as well. Irene was a woman of faith who lived every day framed around the beliefs that were embedded on her heart and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will surely stand the test of time. Irene Woodrum died on Thursday, March 19, 2009. Irenes family includes her sons, Harold (Beverly) Woodrum of Spring Lake, Glenn (Alice) Woodrum of Shelby, Paul (Marlene) Woodrum of Muskegon; special niece, Beatrice Minard; many grandchildren, several great grandchildren; a few great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Francis Woodrum; daughters, Dorothy Singleton, Gladys Bryant, Gloria Scouten; sisters, Pauline & Gertrude; special nephew, James Jackson. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at Clock Chapel with Rev. Burt Wachter officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Irenes family and friends on Sunday, from 2-5 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice.