Irene Barr Webster, 87, of Moorefield, WV, passed away peacefully at her home on August 6, 2026.
Born March 23, 1939, in Dorcas, WV, Irene was the daughter of Edward and Hazel Barr. She was one of eight children and was preceded in death by her siblings, Wilda (Bill) Kimble, Roland (Kitty Lou) Barr, and Louise (Edgar) Vance. She is survived by her siblings Harvey (Janet) Barr, Carl (Arvella) Barr, Wayne (Gail) Barr, and Linda Turner, who was preceded in death by her husband, Randall. Coming from a close-knit family, Irene treasured the relationships she shared with more than 100 first cousins and her 22 nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
A proud member of the Petersburg High School Class of 1957, Irene maintained lifelong friendships with many of her classmates, relationships she cherished throughout the years. One of her proudest moments was being crowned Area FFA Sweetheart.
On January 16, 1959, Irene married the love of her life, Vernon Webster, Jr. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They are survived by their two children, Mitchell (Michele) Webster of Moorefield, WV, and Melissa (Eddie) Hargreaves of Smithsburg, MD.
Nothing brought Irene greater joy than her family. She was a devoted “Maw Maw” to her four grandchildren: Jon (Danielle) Webster and Alisha (Graham) Porter, both of Petersburg, WV; Emily (Mike) Priestas of Smithsburg, MD; and Erica (Ben) Seibert of Frederick, MD. She was also blessed to know and love all eight of her great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Irene was a faithful member of Baker’s Chapel United Methodist Church. She touched countless lives through her years of teaching Sunday School and serving as a 4-H leader, leaving a lasting influence on generations of children.
Throughout her life, Irene worked as a secretary at WELD, manager of VW Webster & Sons Furniture Store, a receptionist at Walton County National Bank in Monroe, Georgia, and later at the Moorefield Public Library. She also devoted countless hours to serving her community as President of the Valley View Golf Course Ladies Association, an active member of the Home Extension Club, a 4-H All Star, and in many volunteer roles supporting her children’s activities while they were growing up.
Irene found great joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved cooking for family and friends, tending to her beautiful flower gardens, and creating a warm, welcoming home. She took great pride in being a homemaker, and her home was always lovingly cared for and impeccably kept.
Alongside Vernon, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to all 50 states, creating treasured memories together along the way.
Irene will be remembered as an extraordinary wife, loving mother, cherished Maw Maw, faithful friend, and gracious neighbor. Her kindness, gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and genuine interest in others left an impression on everyone she met. Many who knew her often remarked that she had “the most beautiful blue eyes” they had ever seen—a reflection of the warmth, compassion, and joy she carried throughout her life.
Funeral Services will be conducted 12:00 PM (Noon), Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street, with Pastor Mike Funkhouser officiating. Interment will follow in the Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baker’s Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Ellen Harper, 6573 US HWY 220 South, Moorefield, WV 26836 or Valley View Golf Club, P O Box 61, Moorefield, WV 26836. To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Irene’s extraordinary life, visit her Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact she made on all those around her.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Fraley Funeral Home.
