My precious cousin is in the arms of our Holy Jesus. I’m not sad for her as her earthly body was worn out. Do not weep for me for I have not gone. I am the memory that dwells in the heart of those that knew me. I am the shadow that dances on the edge of your vision. I am the wild goose that flies south at Autumns call and I shall return at Summer rising.
Irene (Chisum) Collins-Riddell, 86, of Pelsor, Arkansas, joined her Savior, Jesus Christ, in the beauty of Paradise on Friday, July 5, 2024, at her home. Visitation with her family & friends will be Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Humphrey Funeral Chapel in Russellville. A Celebration of Life service will be Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Falling Water Church, 1079 Upper Falling Water Road, Pelsor, Arkansas, with Rev. Scott Garrison and Rev. Robert Heflin officiating. Burial will follow at Moore Cemetery, Forest Service Road 1203, at Ben Hur, Arkansas, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.
Irene was born March 5, 1938, in North Fork, Arkansas, to George Washington & Dorothy Lavada (Freeman) Chisum. At just 15 years of age, she married Howard Collins on July 8, 1953. They spent 48 years together raising five children on the farm until his passing in 2001.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands Howard Collins and Paul Riddell; her siblings: Arlie Chisum, Christine Humphrey, Paul Chisum, Carl Chisum, Harold Chisum, Wayne Chisum, and Bob Chisum; her grandson, Adam Cross; as well as many other cousins, in-laws, friends & family she deeply loved and cherished.
Irene is survived by her five children: Stanley (Sheila), Jan, Winnie (John), Anna Belle (JW), and Glen (Mel); 15 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; and a host of step-children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her living siblings include Jack Chisum, Butch (Rose) Chisum, Eileen (George) Collins, Darlene (Wayne) McNutt and sisters-in-law: Elene Chisum, Gracie Chisum, Ruby Chisum, Donna Chisum, Pauline Harmon, Gwen Collins, LaVeda Collins, and Lucine Collins.
Irene spent her days as a homemaker raising her children. She loved everyone as her own and her home was always an open door for anyone who stopped by.
Irene loved gardening and canning. Among her canned goods, canning jellies were her favorite. She loved to give advice to her friends and family on how to can and garden. But most of all Irene loved spending time with the Lord. Irene was a founding member of Falling Water Church and Moore Church for a combined total of over 80 years.
