Cora Irene (Reynolds) Ishmael, age 95, was raised in Danville / Richmond, VA area, went to Salinas, Ca and then to Atoka, OK. She was born on Saturday, January 28, 1928, to Ruffus Edward and Ella C. (Purdy) Reynolds, at Patrick Springs, VA. Irene passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at her home in Atoka, OK. She graduated from Danville High School in Danville, VA. Irene was a housewife and homemaker and also worked as a nurse. She married Melvin Shade Ishmael Jr. on Tuesday, April 26th, 1949 at Danville, VA. They celebrated 72 years of marriage before his passing on March 21, 2022. Irene was a lifelong member of Church of Christ. She attended Melba Ave Church of Christ for many years and later attended Church of Christ in McAlester, was active in The Garden Club, Bridge Club. Irene loved gardening, raising beautiful flowers, fishing, watching birds, baking, and loved cooking desserts. She was a faithful Christian and loved bluegrass gospel music.
Irene is survived by her grandchildren, Amy Housley and husband Mike of Wagoner, OK, Ross Ray of Wagoner, OK; great grandchildren, Mason Ray of Coweta, OK, Michael Housley of Wagoner, OK, Memphis Housley of Wagoner, OK, Nick Housley of Colorado, Jake Housley of Tulsa, OK; brother in law, Gordon Ishmael of Tulsa, OK; sister in law, Debra Ishmael of Atoka, OK; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear and loved friends.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Ruffus Edward and Ella C. (Purdy) Reynolds; husband, Melvin Shade Ishmael Jr.; son, Ted Ivan Ishmael; daughter, Patricia Irene Ray; siblings, Hardin Estridge Reynolds, Eva Renolds Hill, Reavy Renolds Adams, Lillie Reynolds Adams, Harry Milton Reynolds, Ralph Lee Reynolds, Alton Reynolds, Clarence Donald Reynolds, Vernard Renolds, Rachel Reynolds Largen.
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DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Saturday, December 30th, 2023
PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Pastor Rob Lungstrum
INTERMENT: Tushka Cemetery, Tushka, Oklahoma
CASKETBEARERS: Mike Housley, Mason Ray, Ross Ray, Chris Ishmael, Marvin Ishmael, Doug Ishmael
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS:
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET.  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
FAMILY NIGHT IS FRIDAY 6-8PM

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK