Irene Fears

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Irene Nelson Fears, 84, of Sikeston died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001, at Sikeston Convalescent Center.

She was born Jan. 22, 1917, in Newbern, Tenn., daughter of John Thomas and Esther Lee Dickson Griffin. She and Orville Nelson were married Nov. 4, 1933, at Sikeston. He died May 11, 1972. She later married Corbett Fears, who also preceded her in death.

Fears was a retired licensed practical nurse and had worked at Sikeston Regional Center and as a nurse at Bernie and Sikeston schools.

Survivors include two sons, J.W. Nelson of Sikeston, Orville Nelson of Malden, Mo.; two daughters, Janet Tuttle and Marlene Burgess of Sikeston; a brother, John Griffin Jr. of Sikeston; two sisters, Virginia Gwaltney and Betty Jones of Sikeston; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with Pat Hogan officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.