Irene Branum

Irene Branum, age 99 of IL, formerly of Paris, TN, died Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Wauconda, IL. She was born September 13, 1924, in Hermondale, MO, the daughter of Thomas T. Crawford and Florence (Miller) Crawford.

Irene lived her early years near Blytheville, AR as a family farm girl where she met and married her husband, James Branum. They moved to Chicago, IL, in the 1950's and lived there for many years before returning to Arkansas. She later moved to Paris, TN, and eventually back to Illinois in 2012.

Irene loved flower gardening and outdoor activities, and never passed up a chance to go for a ride in the country or go fishing. She was always pleased to open her home to friends and family.

She is survived by her children, Ron Branum and June McCombs; and her brothers, Jerry Crawford and Bobby Crawford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Rita Perrygin; her son, Jimmy Branum; five sisters, Sadie Mae Fredrickson, Bernice Ellsworth, Annabel Lawrence, Maxine DeVoney, Cherry Reitmeier; and five brothers, George Crawford, Floyd Crawford, Thomas Crawford, Gene Crawford, and Sherman Crawford. 

Out of town arrangements were entrusted to Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, McHenry, IL.  The body was cremated. 

Local arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242. A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 am at Rose Lawn Memory Garden in Paris, TN.

Burial of cremains will follow the service in Rose Lawn Memory Garden.