Clevel Faye Irwin

     Clevel Faye “Cleva” Irwin died November 11, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 76 years 11 months 5 days. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 PM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Purcell. Interment will follow at Washington Cemetery, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

     Cleva was born December 6, 1948, in Wheeler, Texas to Johnny Raymond and Leona Jimmie Dean (Young) Guthrie. Her journey through life began in Texas, followed by a relocation to Oklahoma, and then to Huma, Arizona. At the tender age of ten, her family returned to Oklahoma, where she flourished academically and graduated from Wanette Schools around 1965. On January 7, 1966, Cleva and Billy Rex Irwin embarked on their shared adventure, uniting in marriage in Purcell, Oklahoma. Throughout her career, Cleva displayed remarkable dedication and versatility, beginning her professional life at United Design, where she excelled in production before becoming the receptionist. Her talents led her to Shackley, also in production, and once again transitioning to a receptionist role. Most recently, for the past 19 years, she has been a integral part of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau in Purcell, serving first as a Customer Service Representative and later as an agent. Cleva's unwavering faith played a pivotal role in her life, as she was deeply involved in the church communities where her husband served as pastor. She embraced various roles, ranging from clerk to Sunday School teacher, fostering a special bond with her "church kids" who held a dear place in her heart. Her boss at Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Ryan Smith stated: “I cannot tell you how much Miss Cleva meant to me. I was a young man when she started here, and she was a huge influence on me on being a good Christian person. She walked the walk every day. I am a better person because of the daily lessons she passed on. Her legacy will live on through everyone she met and showed her and God’s grace to daily.” In her downtime, Cleva adored the arts and crafts, dedicating her time to making ceramics, sewing, and crocheting. Yet, beyond her various pursuits, it was her role as a homemaker that brought her the greatest joy; she treasured caring for her family and creating a loving home. Cleva’s life was a life rich in love, faith, and kindness—a truly remarkable woman whose spirit will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

     Cleva is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Jimmie Guthire; her father and mother-in-law, Leonard and Rosie Irwin; her son, Richard Neil Irwin; her grandson, Lucas Issac Irwin; her sister-in-law, Velma Rolewicz; her brother-in-law, Bob Irwin; her nephew, Brad Irwin; and her niece, Diana Davis. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Bill Irwin; her daughter, Rebecca Miller; her granddaughter, Patricia Lynn Mary Newman; her grandson, Joshua Lee David Newman; her brothers, Allen Guthrie, Clinton Robinson; her brother and sister’s-in-law, Lester Irwin and wife, Ruth, Jo Moore, Danny Irwin and wife, Pam; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.