Viewing was held Friday October 24, at Angel Visit Baptist Church, Dunnsville, VA.
Funeral Service was held Saturday October 25, at Angel Visit Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Carla Lightfoot, Pastor, officiated. Interment in the church cemetery.
Rosa Irene Harcum, was born to Raymond and Emily O. Barkley on April 13, 1923 in Dames Quarters, a small community on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She was the oldest of five children, she learned responsibility and patience at an early age.
Irene had an early interest in the wonder of distant cities, states, and countries. Because of her natural curiosity and intelligence, she was an "A" student and enthusiastic reader. When she completed the seventh grade on the Eastern Shore, her mother, who was the local schoolteacher, moved Irene and her sisters to Baltimore. The move was made in order to offer Irene and her siblings the benefits of an education in the Baltimore City Public School System. Her brother George and their father joined them after they were settled.
In June 1940, Irene graduated from Frederick Douglas High School. In 1942, she married John Harcum who was to be her life's friend and partner for 50+ years. She briefly attended Coppin State Teachers College, but was attracted to the idea of a weekly paycheck. She worked at the U.S. Post Office until she went to the newly established agency of the Federal government, the Social Security Administration.
During her career at Social Security, Irene and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively in the United States, the Caribbean, and foreign countries such as Switzerland, Spain and Jamaica.
She loved to attend festive parties, "programs" and family events. She looked forward to family weddings and graduations with excited anticipation. She was a member of the G.M. Social Club and Center Stage Theater Subscibers. Irene and her friends would play bridge, her favorite card game, from early morning until evening. Her nieces and nephews loved and admired their soft spoken, mild mannered aunt. Her nieces and nephews, who lived in Baltimore's side by side rowhouses, loved to run outside, completely around "Aunt Irene and Uncle John's" lovely detached home on Cedardale Road in Baltimore City.
Irene never raised her voice and was always in control of herself. She was affectionately called "Queenie" (rhymed with Reenie) because of her regal and meticulous manner.
In the early 80's, after 30 years of employment with the Social Security Administration, Irene happily retired. She and John moved to Montague in Essex County, Virginia. Their "major adventure" started in a mobile home and eventually led to their permanent residence. They enjoyed a leisurely, civic-oriented and fun filled life. They also enjoyed membership at Angel Visit Baptist Church. In the early 90's after a brief illness, her husband John passed away.
Irene was on the Deacon Board at Angel Visit Baptist church. She received the church's Honoree Award in February 2000. She served as Secretary for the Tri-County Deaconess Board. She had been Secretary for the Essex County Chamber of the NAACP and was a lifetime member of the organization. Irene kept up with the current political campaign for President. She watched everyday and called it a "miracle in her lifetime." She had hoped that she would be able to cast a ballot. Volunteering at the Essex County Senior Center, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, and Essex County Chesapeake Bay Area on Aging was evidence of her generosity.
Her example in life is how she taught her family to meet challenge in the face of adversity. She was presented with one physical challenge after another, but few knew the extent to which she suffered. She had a listening ear, a bit of guidance, and kind smile until she went eternally to sleep on Sunday, October 19, 2008.
Celebrating her life and memory are: one devoted brother: George Barkley; two sisters-in-law: Gladys Barkley and Beadie Harcum; seven nieces: Robin Quarles, Karla Q. Harris, Kimberly Quarles, Renee Barham, Denyse Barkley, Rosa Harper, and Theresa McClellon; three nephews-in-law: John Reed, Marvine Harris, and Harold McClellon; two cousins: Ray and Wesley Barkley; one devoted special friend: Mr. John Burrell; and many other loving family members and friends.
Funeral Service was held Saturday October 25, at Angel Visit Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Carla Lightfoot, Pastor, officiated. Interment in the church cemetery.
Rosa Irene Harcum, was born to Raymond and Emily O. Barkley on April 13, 1923 in Dames Quarters, a small community on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She was the oldest of five children, she learned responsibility and patience at an early age.
Irene had an early interest in the wonder of distant cities, states, and countries. Because of her natural curiosity and intelligence, she was an "A" student and enthusiastic reader. When she completed the seventh grade on the Eastern Shore, her mother, who was the local schoolteacher, moved Irene and her sisters to Baltimore. The move was made in order to offer Irene and her siblings the benefits of an education in the Baltimore City Public School System. Her brother George and their father joined them after they were settled.
In June 1940, Irene graduated from Frederick Douglas High School. In 1942, she married John Harcum who was to be her life's friend and partner for 50+ years. She briefly attended Coppin State Teachers College, but was attracted to the idea of a weekly paycheck. She worked at the U.S. Post Office until she went to the newly established agency of the Federal government, the Social Security Administration.
During her career at Social Security, Irene and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively in the United States, the Caribbean, and foreign countries such as Switzerland, Spain and Jamaica.
She loved to attend festive parties, "programs" and family events. She looked forward to family weddings and graduations with excited anticipation. She was a member of the G.M. Social Club and Center Stage Theater Subscibers. Irene and her friends would play bridge, her favorite card game, from early morning until evening. Her nieces and nephews loved and admired their soft spoken, mild mannered aunt. Her nieces and nephews, who lived in Baltimore's side by side rowhouses, loved to run outside, completely around "Aunt Irene and Uncle John's" lovely detached home on Cedardale Road in Baltimore City.
Irene never raised her voice and was always in control of herself. She was affectionately called "Queenie" (rhymed with Reenie) because of her regal and meticulous manner.
In the early 80's, after 30 years of employment with the Social Security Administration, Irene happily retired. She and John moved to Montague in Essex County, Virginia. Their "major adventure" started in a mobile home and eventually led to their permanent residence. They enjoyed a leisurely, civic-oriented and fun filled life. They also enjoyed membership at Angel Visit Baptist Church. In the early 90's after a brief illness, her husband John passed away.
Irene was on the Deacon Board at Angel Visit Baptist church. She received the church's Honoree Award in February 2000. She served as Secretary for the Tri-County Deaconess Board. She had been Secretary for the Essex County Chamber of the NAACP and was a lifetime member of the organization. Irene kept up with the current political campaign for President. She watched everyday and called it a "miracle in her lifetime." She had hoped that she would be able to cast a ballot. Volunteering at the Essex County Senior Center, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, and Essex County Chesapeake Bay Area on Aging was evidence of her generosity.
Her example in life is how she taught her family to meet challenge in the face of adversity. She was presented with one physical challenge after another, but few knew the extent to which she suffered. She had a listening ear, a bit of guidance, and kind smile until she went eternally to sleep on Sunday, October 19, 2008.
Celebrating her life and memory are: one devoted brother: George Barkley; two sisters-in-law: Gladys Barkley and Beadie Harcum; seven nieces: Robin Quarles, Karla Q. Harris, Kimberly Quarles, Renee Barham, Denyse Barkley, Rosa Harper, and Theresa McClellon; three nephews-in-law: John Reed, Marvine Harris, and Harold McClellon; two cousins: Ray and Wesley Barkley; one devoted special friend: Mr. John Burrell; and many other loving family members and friends.
Viewing was held Friday October 24, at Angel Visit Baptist Church, Dunnsville, VA.
Funeral Service was held Saturday October 25, at Angel Visit Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Carla Lightfoot, Pastor, officiated. Interment in the church cemetery.
Rosa Irene Harcum, was born to Raymond and Emily O. Barkley on April 13, 1923 in Dames Quarters, a small community on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She was the oldest of five children, she learned responsibility and patience at an early age.
Irene had an early interest in the wonder of distant cities, states, and countries. Because of her natural curiosity and intelligence, she was an "A" student and enthusiastic reader. When she completed the seventh grade on the Eastern Shore, her mother, who was the local schoolteacher, moved Irene and her sisters to Baltimore. The move was made in order to offer Irene and her siblings the benefits of an education in the Baltimore City Public School System. Her brother George and their father joined them after they were settled.
In June 1940, Irene graduated from Frederick Douglas High School. In 1942, she married John Harcum who was to be her life's friend and partner for 50+ years. She briefly attended Coppin State Teachers College, but was attracted to the idea of a weekly paycheck. She worked at the U.S. Post Office until she went to the newly established agency of the Federal government, the Social Security Administration.
During her career at Social Security, Irene and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively in the United States, the Caribbean, and foreign countries such as Switzerland, Spain and Jamaica.
She loved to attend festive parties, "programs" and family events. She looked forward to family weddings and graduations with excited anticipation. She was a member of the G.M. Social Club and Center Stage Theater Subscibers. Irene and her friends would play bridge, her favorite card game, from early morning until evening. Her nieces and nephews loved and admired their soft spoken, mild mannered aunt. Her nieces and nephews, who lived in Baltimore's side by side rowhouses, loved to run outside, completely around "Aunt Irene and Uncle John's" lovely detached home on Cedardale Road in Baltimore City.
Irene never raised her voice and was always in control of herself. She was affectionately called "Queenie" (rhymed with Reenie) because of her regal and meticulous manner.
In the early 80's, after 30 years of employment with the Social Security Administration, Irene happily retired. She and John moved to Montague in Essex County, Virginia. Their "major adventure" started in a mobile home and eventually led to their permanent residence. They enjoyed a leisurely, civic-oriented and fun filled life. They also enjoyed membership at Angel Visit Baptist Church. In the early 90's after a brief illness, her husband John passed away.
Irene was on the Deacon Board at Angel Visit Baptist church. She received the church's Honoree Award in February 2000. She served as Secretary for the Tri-County Deaconess Board. She had been Secretary for the Essex County Chamber of the NAACP and was a lifetime member of the organization. Irene kept up with the current political campaign for President. She watched everyday and called it a "miracle in her lifetime." She had hoped that she would be able to cast a ballot. Volunteering at the Essex County Senior Center, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, and Essex County Chesapeake Bay Area on Aging was evidence of her generosity.
Her example in life is how she taught her family to meet challenge in the face of adversity. She was presented with one physical challenge after another, but few knew the extent to which she suffered. She had a listening ear, a bit of guidance, and kind smile until she went eternally to sleep on Sunday, October 19, 2008.
Celebrating her life and memory are: one devoted brother: George Barkley; two sisters-in-law: Gladys Barkley and Beadie Harcum; seven nieces: Robin Quarles, Karla Q. Harris, Kimberly Quarles, Renee Barham, Denyse Barkley, Rosa Harper, and Theresa McClellon; three nephews-in-law: John Reed, Marvine Harris, and Harold McClellon; two cousins: Ray and Wesley Barkley; one devoted special friend: Mr. John Burrell; and many other loving family members and friends.
Funeral Service was held Saturday October 25, at Angel Visit Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Carla Lightfoot, Pastor, officiated. Interment in the church cemetery.
Rosa Irene Harcum, was born to Raymond and Emily O. Barkley on April 13, 1923 in Dames Quarters, a small community on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She was the oldest of five children, she learned responsibility and patience at an early age.
Irene had an early interest in the wonder of distant cities, states, and countries. Because of her natural curiosity and intelligence, she was an "A" student and enthusiastic reader. When she completed the seventh grade on the Eastern Shore, her mother, who was the local schoolteacher, moved Irene and her sisters to Baltimore. The move was made in order to offer Irene and her siblings the benefits of an education in the Baltimore City Public School System. Her brother George and their father joined them after they were settled.
In June 1940, Irene graduated from Frederick Douglas High School. In 1942, she married John Harcum who was to be her life's friend and partner for 50+ years. She briefly attended Coppin State Teachers College, but was attracted to the idea of a weekly paycheck. She worked at the U.S. Post Office until she went to the newly established agency of the Federal government, the Social Security Administration.
During her career at Social Security, Irene and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively in the United States, the Caribbean, and foreign countries such as Switzerland, Spain and Jamaica.
She loved to attend festive parties, "programs" and family events. She looked forward to family weddings and graduations with excited anticipation. She was a member of the G.M. Social Club and Center Stage Theater Subscibers. Irene and her friends would play bridge, her favorite card game, from early morning until evening. Her nieces and nephews loved and admired their soft spoken, mild mannered aunt. Her nieces and nephews, who lived in Baltimore's side by side rowhouses, loved to run outside, completely around "Aunt Irene and Uncle John's" lovely detached home on Cedardale Road in Baltimore City.
Irene never raised her voice and was always in control of herself. She was affectionately called "Queenie" (rhymed with Reenie) because of her regal and meticulous manner.
In the early 80's, after 30 years of employment with the Social Security Administration, Irene happily retired. She and John moved to Montague in Essex County, Virginia. Their "major adventure" started in a mobile home and eventually led to their permanent residence. They enjoyed a leisurely, civic-oriented and fun filled life. They also enjoyed membership at Angel Visit Baptist Church. In the early 90's after a brief illness, her husband John passed away.
Irene was on the Deacon Board at Angel Visit Baptist church. She received the church's Honoree Award in February 2000. She served as Secretary for the Tri-County Deaconess Board. She had been Secretary for the Essex County Chamber of the NAACP and was a lifetime member of the organization. Irene kept up with the current political campaign for President. She watched everyday and called it a "miracle in her lifetime." She had hoped that she would be able to cast a ballot. Volunteering at the Essex County Senior Center, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, and Essex County Chesapeake Bay Area on Aging was evidence of her generosity.
Her example in life is how she taught her family to meet challenge in the face of adversity. She was presented with one physical challenge after another, but few knew the extent to which she suffered. She had a listening ear, a bit of guidance, and kind smile until she went eternally to sleep on Sunday, October 19, 2008.
Celebrating her life and memory are: one devoted brother: George Barkley; two sisters-in-law: Gladys Barkley and Beadie Harcum; seven nieces: Robin Quarles, Karla Q. Harris, Kimberly Quarles, Renee Barham, Denyse Barkley, Rosa Harper, and Theresa McClellon; three nephews-in-law: John Reed, Marvine Harris, and Harold McClellon; two cousins: Ray and Wesley Barkley; one devoted special friend: Mr. John Burrell; and many other loving family members and friends.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
