Irene G. Bankhead

Irene Gussie Bankhead was born on May 4, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas to William T. O’Connor and Lena Ardell Harrison. She was the eldest of three siblings and would do anything for her younger brothers, who she adored, William (Bubba) and Johnnie O’Connor. Irene had four sons and one daughter, many grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Irene was artistic and creative. She would often create photo scrapbooks for her sons. She also loved watching home improvement shows, and of course her Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs! She was known to send a “GO SPURS GO!” text during the Spurs games to friends and family. Irene rarely missed a Spurs or Cowboys game, if any. She could talk sports to anyone and knew all the players on her teams at all times.

Most of all, Irene loved being a mother, an auntie, a grandmother, a sister, a friend, and the go to family member for support, advice, and love. She took pride in raiding her children and would do anything for them, and really anyone that needed help. Ms. Irene was known for providing a place for people to sleep or rest their head if needed and a place to get a warm meal if you were hungry. She would give the shirt off her back and last dollar to anyone that was in need. Her unwavering generosity, fairness, kindness, and heart of gold could not be matched. She had a contagious laugh and smile that would brighten anyone’s day that we will always remember.

Irene will be missed dearly and loved forever by her two brothers, William and Johnnie, her sons Quentin, John Michael, and Donnie, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and countless friends, family members and kinfolk.