Irene Horton Cherry, in her 84th year with us, passed peacefully surrounded by her family after a courageous battle against dementia and cancer.

Irene was born on April 14, 1937 in Checotah, Oklahoma, to Herbert Horton and Esther Holland. She moved to Muskogee, where she was raised by her parents, Burney and Esther Reed in a large, loving family with four sisters and four brothers. Being the oldest of nine children, Irene assumed multiple duties at a young age which included caring for her younger siblings.

She attended schools in Kentucky and Muskogee, completing her education at the historic Manual Training High School

Meeting her husband Charles as a teenager, they soon began a loving marriage which spanned 55 years. Together, they raised three sons, Michael, Mitchell and Marcus and one daughter, Juanda, who were the most important part of their lives.

Irene was a hard worker. She and Charles worked tirelessly, taking on two jobs at a time to provide for their family. She was employed at Muskogee Regional Medical Center for 33 years before retiring. Irene later returned to the workforce and began employment at Med-Corp Home Health Agency. She eventually left to care for her husband, whom she cared for until his death. Irene demonstrated compassion by also caring for family members during their illnesses.

Irene, affectionately known to her family and friends as "Jean" enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, quilting, canning, gardening and cooking. She crocheted numerous throws and baby blankets over the years for her children and grandchildren.

A devout Christian, Irene began her mornings with daily devotions and prayer. Her love for the Lord carried her through many trials. Irene was an active member of the Greater Rayfield Baptist Church, until her health failed and she could no longer attend.

Celebrating her life is her daughter, Juanda [Stanley] Perkins, Muskogee; her son, Marcus [Meko] Cherry, San Antonio, Texas; her sister, Patricia Rogers, Houston, Texas; her brothers, James [Ola] Reed and Bobby Reed, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; her sisters-in-law, Carolyn Cary, Long Beach, California and Pauline Cherry, Moore, Oklahoma; Her brother-in-law, Priestly Cherry, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; her grandchildren, LaRon Givens, Aundrea Vann, Krystal Clarke, Michael Cherry, Jr., Myron Cherry, Dontray Cherry, Marko Cherry, Morgan Cherry and Toni Jimerson; a host of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and a very dear friend, Anna Derrick; along with a caravan of friends and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, her parents, her sons, Michael and Mitchell, her sisters, Ethel Payton, Rose Golston, Bernice Bell, and her brothers, Herman Reed and Louis Reed.

The Sacred Farewell for Mrs. Cherry will commence on Saturday Morning, October 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM in the most holy sanctuary of the Rayfield Baptist Church.  Her Pastor, Reverend Leroy Walker, Sr., will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit her, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Friday from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM.  Additionally, visitation on Saturday morning will be from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM, ONLY at the Rayfield Baptist Church.  The casket will not be opened at the conclusion of the funeral.