Irene Webster
May 26, 1958 ~ April 4, 2025
Born in:
Weslaco, Texas
Resided in:
Linden, Texas
Irene “Nene” Webster was born in Weslaco, Texas on May 26, 1958 to Panfilo and Joaquina (Guerrero) Martinez. She departed this world on April 4, 2025 in Lufkin, Texas.
A 1976 graduate of Gravette High School in Gravette, Arkansas, Irene was active in choir and served as cheerleading captain, FFA Sweetheart and 1975 football homecoming queen. Irene went on to attend and study Agri-Business at the University of Arkansas for two years. While working at Allen’s Canning Co. during winter break in 1977, Irene met and began her 46-year love story with the long-haired, East Texan, Randy Webster. The two married on September 8, 1978 and soon moved to Linden, where they created a happy and full life together, raising their son Jonathan Edward Webster.
Irene built a successful career for herself as an employee with the state of Texas. First as a faculty member at Linden-Kildare High School and then at the Texas Department of Transportation where she retired in 2021 as the Traffic Safety Specialist for the Atlanta District. Irene took her responsibilities very seriously and was honored with numerous awards in her thirty years with TxDot. Even off the clock, you would hear Irene reciting the slogans that she helped to launch: “Click It or Ticket,” “Move Over or Slow Down,” “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” “Stay Alert When You See This Shirt,” “Look Twice for Motorcycles” and her favorite, “Don’t Mess With Texas.”
Irene was a charitable woman and did her part to bring awareness and growth to organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Texas Public Employees Association. After her retirement from TxDot, Irene shifted her time and energy towards the historical venue, Music City Texas, where she became the chairman of the board.
Irene was a devout Catholic who spent her life praying, serving and teaching others. Actively involved in St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Atlanta and later, Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson, Irene was the sponsor of countless young adults who decided to confirm and commit their lives to the faith. Irene was the go-to when it came to the planning of weddings, quinceaneras, baptisms and beyond. Most recently Irene passionately served as a Catechist, Lector, Eucharistic Minister and Choir Director at Immaculate Conception. Another testament to Irene’s strength, resilience, compassion for others and faith in her Heavenly Father, was her brave decision to be a live kidney donor in 2004.
Although she spent much of her time doing for others, Irene still made time for herself. She enjoyed reading, beadwork, gardening, winery trips with the girls, karaoke, dancing, and shopping. However, her favorite past-time was probably spoiling and loving on her granddaughter, Ellis. Family and friends are eager to watch Nene’s spunk and upfront personality shine through in Ellis and can only hope she inherits the famous eyebrow raise.
Irene is survived by son, Jonathan, daughter-in-law, Mariah and granddaughter Ellis EmmyLou Webster of Nacogdoches; two sisters, Anita Scates of Maysville, Arkansas, Noelia Martinez-Thomas of Sallisaw, Ok; two brothers, Lehn Charles Martinez of Jay, Ok, Jose Miguel and Michelle Martinez of Hiwasse, Arkansas; sister-in-law Gail and Randy Beeman, Charlene Martinez, of Longview. Six nieces, six nephews, several great-nieces, great-nephews and countless cousins.
Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Randy Webster; parents Panfilo and Joaquina Martinez; parents-in-law, Howard and Mildred Webster; two brothers, Jaime and Orlando Martinez; brother-in-law, Rusty Webster; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers are nephews, Michael Scates, Justin Martinez, Layne Martinez, Mason Martinez, Landon White and Derrick Blount. Honorary pallbearers are Russell Beeman, Colt Martinez, Charlie Hall, Mike Hill, Randy Grubbs, John Fant, Doyle Carwhile, David Guerrero, Javier Serrano, Zach Brown, David Masciarelli, Joey Al-Ayyoob.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson. Burial will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden.
A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the funeral home, with visitation to follow from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Following visitation, friends are warmly invited to gather with the family at Fire and Knives and continue sharing memories and celebrating Irene’s life
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marian Prayer Garden of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 201 N. Vale Street Jefferson, Texas 75657.
Services
Rosary: April 11, 2025 6:00 pm
Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Linden
202 N. Main
Linden, Texas 75563
(903) 756-5211
https://www.reeder-davis.com/
Visitation: April 11, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Linden
202 N. Main
Linden, Texas 75563
(903) 756-5211
https://www.reeder-davis.com/
Funeral Mass: April 12, 2025 10:00 am
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
201 N Vale St
Jefferson, Texas 75657
View current weather.
Tribute Video
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Sweet lady. Will miss.
I am saddened to read of the passing of Ms. Irene Webster. She was so passionate about the work of prevention. I am praying for her family and friends during this incredible loss.
Martha Baker
Jonathan, my heart breaks for you. I enjoyed all the years I worked with Irene..she was so much fun and very caring…prayers
So sorry. Irene was a friend and coworker. Praying for Jonathan and family.
DD Dunagin
Will miss your singing at quinceaneras and Christmas shows. Fly home, wetta
Irene was a dear friend to me at TxDOT. I was so sad when she retired. And now I just can’t believe she’s no longer with us.