Irene Osborne

            Wanda “Irene” Osborne went to be with the Lord and her heavenly family members on November 20, 2021.  Except for four years in Brenham, TX, and Bluefield, WV, Irene was a life-long resident of McDowell County.  She was born on December 13, 1939, the eldest daughter of Harry and Edith “Mae” Peaks.  Irene was educated in the McDowell County public school system.       Irene worked at the Dairy Queen in Northfork, Count Gilu Motel in Welch, Clark Medical Clinic in Northfork, and Bluefield Regional Medical Center in Bluefield. 

Irene never met a stranger; she loved talking, joking and laughing with people. She was the confidante of many people, who knew that Irene would never repeat a confidence.  Irene loved children and animals and would spend hours playing with them.  She loved Snap Chat almost as much as she loved the mountains of West Virginia.

 Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Buddy Eldridge, her husband, Ray Osborne, sons, David Eldridge, Daniel Farmer, Ray Osborne, Jr., granddaughters, Danielle Farmer and Raycheal Osborne, and her brother, Harold Peaks.  Irene is survived by her daughters, Pearl Eldridge White (Rocky) and Donna Eldridge Steele (Terry), Penny Wagg and Donna Osborne; her sons, Darrell Osborne (Sheila) and Matthew Osborne; eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren, and her faithful canine companion, Mr. T.  Irene is also survived by sisters, Connie Perry, Brenda Jackson, Alice Bales, and her brothers, Donald (Lucy). Jimmy, Ronald and David Peaks, and many nephews and nieces.

            A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV.  Visitation with the family will take place one hour prior to the service.  Pastor Stephen Umburger will officiate.  In keeping with her wishes, Irene was cremated.

            In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Ronceverte Elementary School,

879 Rocky Hill Road, Ronceverte, WV, 24970.  Please place the words “Raycheal Osborne Literacy Foundation” on the memo line of your check.