Iris Dell Osborne

Iris Dell (Whitaker) Osborne passed away peacefully March 29th, 2010 at Hendrick Medical Center. Iris, or "Two-Momma" as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren and many of her friends, was born in Rochelle, Texas, March 7, 1917, the second of six children born to Harvey and Oma Whitaker. She graduated from Rochelle High School in 1934. She married Grover Cleveland "Ozzie" Osborne Jr. in 1937 and they began their journey of 53 years of marriage. Iris and Ozzie moved to Abilene shortly after they were married. Iris joined First Baptist Church in the 1940's and was an active member for many decades. She was a member of the Abilene Woman's Club, and was an accomplished artist in oils, pastels, and ceramics. She greatly enjoyed sewing and card games with friends, and especially loved "prowling" through antique shops. After her husband passed away in 1989, she lived in both Abilene and Albany, where she made many friends. Iris is survived by her daughter Sharon Matthews and husband John of Albany, Texas; brothers H.E. (Eddie) Whitaker and wife Louise of Abilene, Joe Whitaker and wife Earline of Princeton, Texas, sister Ella Wray Hammontree of Red Oak, Texas; grandson Randy Green and wife Cindy of Plano Texas, granddaughter Holly Green Bernard and husband John of Albany, great-grandchildren Danny Green of St. Augustine, Florida and Andy Green of Plano, Texas, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their gratitude to doctors, nurses and staff at Hendrick Medical Center and Hospice for their support during her time in their care. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 31, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Services will be held Thursday, April 1st at 2:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, under the direction of Pastor Robert Cheatheam of Elmdale Baptist Church, and Palmer McCown, Pastor for Senior Adults at First Baptist Church Abilene, with interment to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Highway 277, in Abilene. If desired, memorials may be made to the GLO program at First Baptist Church, Abilene, P.O. Box 85, Abilene, TX 79604, or Hardin-Simmons University, HSU Station, Box 16100, Abilene, TX 79698.