Georgia Irene Thurman

Georgia Irene Thurman, born June 30, 1937, in Macon County, Tennessee to Yancy C. Harwood and Lucy J. Harwood (Russell), peacefully passed away on May 30, 2024. At the age of five, Irene, along with her parents and sister Edna Ruth (Johnson), relocated from Tennessee to Newberg, Oregon. She graduated from Newberg High School in 1955 and married Jonie Goodrich in 1956. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Anthony and Jay. After Jonie's passing in 1963, Irene showed remarkable strength, perseverance, and resilience in raising her boys while managing the family farm. In 1968, Irene found love again and married Del Thurman, welcoming twins, Paul and Pauline, into their lives. Throughout her life, Irene dedicated herself to homemaking and farming. Later, she worked as a receptionist at a dental office until her retirement, after which she devoted her time to caring for her grandchildren. An artist at heart, Irene found joy in oil painting and teaching others the craft. After she lost the vision in her right eye, she channeled her creativity into crocheting and knitting, donating over a thousand hats and scarves to local charities. Her family cherishes the numerous crocheted blankets she lovingly made for them. Irene also had a deep love for gardening; she cultivated a diverse array of plants on her property. She grew several types of berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, tended fruit trees laden with apples and peaches, nurtured filbert trees for their nuts, and maintained vibrant flower beds with roses, rhododendrons and butterfly bushes. Her green thumb extended to vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, ensuring her garden yielded a bountiful harvest each season. She was proud of the koi pond she designed and built herself, where she spent many peaceful hours watching the fish swim gracefully in the serene waters. Irene will be remembered for her compassionate nature as a caregiver, tending to Del, Grandpa Goodrich, and her parents over the years. She also had an ornery side as a proud and doting grandma, finding immense joy in the achievements of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During her youth, Irene played the clarinet from 4th to 12th grade, participating in the Newberg High School marching band and performing in events such as the Rose Festival Parade and the St. Paul Rodeo. She also had a passion for singing, lending her voice to the church choir for decades. Irene's artistic talents extended to local theater, where she contributed to makeup and costumes. Georgia Irene Thurman's legacy of love, perseverance, and creativity will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. Irene is survived by her children: Tony Goodrich (Debra), Jay (Darci) Goodrich, Paul (Leslie) Thurman, and Pauline (Doug) Wilkinson; grandchildren: Aaron, Justin, Austin, Della, Calum, Iain, Jason, and Piper; and great-grandchildren: Brayden, Alexis, Hallie, and Bodhi.

Georgia Irene Thurman

June 30, 1937 - May 30, 2024