Irene Clara Minor

Irene Clara Maass Minor was born on April 25^th, 1938 in Brenham, Texas to her parents Gustave Maass and Clara Kluck Maass. Irene was the youngest of 4 children (Alfred, Edwin, and Edwina) Her death is preceded by her parents, husband Thomas Minor, and siblings Alfred and Edwin. Irene graduated from Burton Rural High School in 1956. Irene had received a scholarship from Nixon-Clay Commercial College in Austin, Tx for Executive Secretarial courses. After completing her associates, she moved to Houston to be with her siblings, Edwin and Edwina. Irene was very close to her sister, Edwina. 

Irene’s first job in Houston was at the Houston City Hall and from there she was hired by Gulf Oil where she was employed for 14 years. In her first few years of living in Houston, she roomed with 2 ladies, Patsy Phillips Sandel and Pat Dobbs, whom became her lifelong friends. The 3 ladies traveled annually to places such as New York City, Washington D.C., and the Smokey Mountains. Then in the late 1960s while riding on a bus to work, she met the love of her life, Thomas Minor. They married in 1970, enjoying life and were known for throwing block parties. 

While engaged in her new life, Irene made an effort to drive to West Orange, Tx as often as possible to visit her sister Edwina. Irene was a generous aunt to her nieces and nephews. Every visit to West Orange, she always supplied the nieces and nephews with gifts.

In the 1980s, Irene and Tom moved to Rosanky, Tx and lived on a beautiful acreage raising cattle. Irene attended Austin Community College taking courses that prepared her for her final career, tax preparation. She had worked for H&R block preparing taxes for 15 years. After the passing of her husband Tom in 1997, Irene moved back to Houston and resided with her brother Edwin. She was re-acquainted with old friends from Memorial Church of Christ and got back into traveling. 

Irene lived a beautiful and full life. She is survived by her sister, Edwina Louise Maass Sanders. Also, nieces and nephews: Virginia Sanders, David Sanders, Matthew & Anne Marie Sanders, Joseph Sanders, Timothy & Denise Sanders and Katherine & Darren Anderson. Also, great nieces and nephew, Zachary Sanders, Krista Sanders and Alexis Anderson.

Irene passed away at HCA Houston Healthcare in Cypress, Tx on January 17^th, 2024.

Memorials may be directed to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Burton, TX. 

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 26^th at Memorial Oaks Chapel prior to funeral service. 

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 26^th at Memorial Oaks Chapel with burial St. Johns Cemetery in Burton.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham.