Vera Irene Rush Mason
Vera Irene Rush Mason, lovingly known as “Grand I”, joyfully entered the arms of Jesus on Sunday, April 14, 2024. She was born on November 7, 1928, in Beaumont, Texas to Cosby Creed Rush and Mary Alice Farris. The youngest of eight children, she was 10 years younger than her closest siblings and grew up with her nieces and nephews.
Because she was so much younger than her siblings, she was pampered, spoiled and dearly loved. Before Irene was born, her family had been very successful while living in the Winnie – Anahuac area. Her dad owned a construction company, a mercantile store, and part of a bank before losing it all in the Great Depression. Due to the Depression, her dad had a collection of worthless I.O.U.’s from several of the large ranching families in the Winnie area. By the time Irene arrived, her family was poor. Her dad bought a house that had been damaged by fire, sawed it in half with a handsaw, moved it to a lot on Emile Street in Beaumont and put it back together. This was home for Irene and the nieces and nephews who visited often.
Irene was a very shy child and grew up in the shadow of her older sister, Eloise Milam, who was a musical star in the Beaumont area. Eloise told Irene her shyness came across as “stuck-up” or rude and that she was worried too much about what others thought of her. Eloise encouraged her that others were also thinking of themselves, she needed to be less self-conscious and instead put others at ease. She took these words of wisdom from her adored, oldest sister to heart and became the outgoing; never meet a stranger, kind, humble and generous Irene we all love and remember today.
After high school, she met Charlie, the love of her life, while attending Lamar. He had just come home from the Navy, as had so many others at the end of WWII. Charles Edward Mason and Irene Rush were married on June 1, 1948. She chose that day because her sister Eloise was married on that day. They moved to Nacogdoches so Charlie could attend Stephen F. Austin University with the goal of attending medical school. While in Nacogdoches, they welcomed their first-born son, Charles Edward Mason, Jr. After completing college, they moved back to Beaumont to join Charles’ dad and brother in the construction business. Not long after, Brad and Mary Bess were added to the family and life was full. She was a devoted mother; involved in any activity her children took interest in. Several years later, Charlie became sole owner of Mason Construction. During this time, Irene worked many side jobs to support the struggling construction business. She taught swimming lessons, dressed up as a clown for birthday parties, made and sold Christmas decorations and also worked at the company. Irene was very creative and industrious and could turn pennies into dollars with her hard work.
Charlie’s health greatly affected his ability to work, ultimately forcing him into retirement in his late 50’s. Irene lovingly cared for him through all of his heart attacks and finally his heart transplant. With a new heart and early retirement, Charlie and Irene began their many travels. They purchased their first motor home and loaded up the grandkids. Every summer they traveled for weeks at a time with the kids. Irene loved to travel and found adventure and friends wherever they went. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anybody. While on trips with the grandkids, if Irene saw a child who looked to be the same age as her grandkids she immediately encouraged them to go and start a friendship with them. There was never a dull moment; she could turn any boring activity into something fun.
After Charlie’s death in 2001 at the age of 74, Irene continued her travels with her grandchildren, family, and friends. She traveled to over 22 countries and extensively in the United States. She would try anything and found beauty everywhere she went. She was always ready for the next adventure and never turned down an invitation for the next vacation, lunch or dinner date with her kids or grandkids, plays, symphony concerts, rodeos or any outing with her family. Her response to any invitation was always “I’ll be ready!”
Irene loved dolls and collected many of them during her travels. She commissioned her brother-in-law, Kee Mason, to build an elaborate dollhouse taking up a whole room in her house, complete with all the accessories, lighting, furniture and figures. She was extremely proud of the dollhouse and loved sharing it with church groups, girl scouts, and many clubs and organizations. A signed visitor log exceeded over 1000 visitors! She was also featured in the Beaumont Enterprise for her hand-made paper dolls, her unique doll collection, and her dollhouse. Her list of hobbies also included painting, sculpting, collecting music boxes, reading, cooking, baking and entertaining.
Throughout her life, she wrote notes and cards to friends as a way to brighten their day. When her two sisters moved into Hotel Beaumont, a retirement home, card writing became her passion. She noticed the loneliness and sadness for the many living in nursing homes, retirement homes or living at home alone and she decided her new job would be to offer encouragement to as many people as she could; and so her card ministry began. An organized system was created so she did not send the same card twice to the same person. Such attention to detail! Her days would be spent drawing cards and sending sweet notes to her lists of new friends, family members, and anyone who would give her their address. She was an encourager at heart and brought so much joy through her cards. A smile, a laugh, a lifted heart, some piece of happiness was the goal. She wanted to make people feel special, worthy of who God created them to be. Her influence was felt far and wide and her family estimates she wrote and mailed well over 10,000 cards, letters and care boxes, both nationally and internationally.
Irene’s ultimate goal, was to help everyone know of their importance to the world, and that they had a purpose to fulfill. She was a teacher, an encourager, a servant to others, a creative problem solver, and always smiling. With humble and quiet generosity, she helped complete strangers with needs, so they could better themselves. She was the friendly face in a room full of people, gifted in making everyone feel welcome and included. She always found a compliment to share and wanted everyone to be happy. So many things about her will bring us sweet remembrances. The cards, which we have all saved, the broaches worn on her back, the “healthy” oatmeal cookies, the Dollar Store, her love for Bingo and the crazy prizes, sharks teeth and shells, and her sweet smile. We will miss you but we know you are with Jesus and those you love and no longer suffering. You established the foundation for our family and have left your legacy in each of us. Grand I you will forever be tooty-two!
Her family includes son, Charles Mason, Jr. (deceased) and wife, Becky, of Beaumont; son, Brad Mason and wife, Monica, of Beaumont; and her daughter, Mary Bess Townsend of Kountze, Texas; and her ten grandchildren, Chad Mason and wife, Lauren; Kristin Lenoir and husband, Sandy; Jaime Brown and husband, Patrick; Jeremy Mason; Jennifer Bowman and husband, Garrett; Hannah Bonin (deceased) and husband, Justin; Rachel Hart and husband, Bailey; Le Short and wife, Misty; Hallie Bradford and husband, Chris; Emily Ray and husband, Kenneth; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaumont Children’s Museum, P.O. Box 407, Beaumont, Texas 77704 donate online.
A gathering of Mrs. Mason’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with her memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 22, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- April 22, 2024
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- April 22, 2024
- 11:00 am
We were saddened to learn that Irene had passed away. She was a gracious and talented lady. It was always a pleasure to receive her note cards with her news and her artwork. We send our deppest sympathy to all her family,
From the Woodland Family: Mary, Rebecca, Philip
Condolences to the Mason family.
Such a beautiful lady. Her eyes and smile just pulled you in! I know she was a great grandmother and was a blessing to the entire family.. She has only gone from sight but never from your heart. Much love from Jimmy and me: . We have been blessed by your family for a long time. Love, Susan and Jimmy Simmons
So proud to have been her neighbor for my formative years. She was much as wonderful person and I loved getting to see and visit with her both at home and at First UMC.
She truly made the world a better place and I’m a better person for knowing her.
We are so thankful we had the opportunity to meet Ms Irene.
She welcomed our dad to the Assisted Living Center and helped him adjust to his new living arrangements. She was so kind and gentle, always making Dad feel important and special.
We only knew her for the last two years of her life, but grew to love her as Dad’s special friend.
What a wonderful life she lived, she will be missed. ❤️🙏🏼❤️ From the Family of Pastor Jack Kissel
Condolences to the Mason family. My mom, Betty Karaff, was good friends with Mrs. Mason. When going through belongs after my mom’s passing, we found several of Mrs. Mason’s hand painted post cards with encouraging words and positive messages that she had sent to my mom. My wife and I just bring ourselves couldn’t toss them in the trash so we kept them. I would really like to send these to the family. If you would send an address to me: kkaraff@comcast.net I will send to you.
Without question Ms. Irene was and in my mind is and always will be the sweetest woman I have ever known. She always had a way of making me feel special even when I thought I didn’t deserve it. Our family connection brought us to know each other better through many years of friendship and correspondence but I know in my heart that she is still looking down on us all and loving us just as she always did. Truly a Beautiful, Loving, Caring and Special Lady. I miss her and I will always miss but her wisdom and kindness will stay with me forever.
It was my privilege to interview both Mr. and Mrs. Mason when Mason Construction was recognized with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce’s Spindletop Award.
Their business almost seemed uniquely designed for such recognition because its roots were so deeply planted in Southeast Texas and because Mason Construction is so deeply respected.
That comes from the company’s culture and reflects the values of Chuck and Irene. If I recall, she was the backer of the children’s playground at the Event Centre, which makes you want to be a kid again so you play on all the equipment!
The Masons both were blessings to Beaumont, Southeast Texas, the business and civic life and it was grand to see them.
Deepest condolences to the family. What a great tribute to a special lady. I’ll never forget my time working for the family and Ms. Irene insisting I call her Grand I, and puppy-sitting her little P.T. while she was on vacation for a week! She truly made everyone feel loved!
Irene was one of those people you always wanted to be around, I worked for Irene’s kids,Chuck, Brad and Mary Bess for 15 years and it seemed as if Irene was always there working on a project of her own to make help peoples lives a little happier with these cards and cut outs.
Irene thank you for allowing me to be apart
of the Mason family, the world will miss you
Jim
It was mutual friends that led me to meet Mrs. Irene. Like ripples in water, her friends caused new friends to become aware of her specials talents which led to meeting her. She was as delightful and unique as her dollhouse! She collected friends and dispensed joy and love.
Sending you love love love!!!!!!! We will never forget her.
Now she is by Trudel. And they are together.
They will have a good time together.
Love
Nadja and family
Grand I lived full of life, love and caring for others. Such a beautiful Southern lady. Enriched my life just by her friendship. Loved her so much.
My mom, Ruth wade was Mrs masons friend. Mrs mason sent my mom so many cards with her drawings. They always made momma smile. Mrs Mason was a treasure! My sympathies to the mason family. Sally Wade Switzer
I have fond memories of piling up in the back of a pickup truck and going Christmas caroling.
I have many fond memories of Mrs. Mason from FUMC, I tried all week to write something that showed how much she meant to me, I think the obituary says it all. Beautifully written.
so so sorry for your loss she was a good woman she would come to Lucy’s all the time to eat and she did not want no one but me to wait on her and yes I took good care of her she will be miss Rip my friend
Loved Ms Irene. So glad she was such a special match maker! All her drawings and Valentine’s cards are all in my photo albums. Always such a loving, welcoming spirit to brighten your day. We will miss her but know she is happy in her heavenly home Sending all the family our deepest love, prayers and support.
God bless,
Christine and Robert Voan
I first met Irene at Hotel Beaumont Assisted Living where I worked along with Monica who was the Administrator. Irene would come up there often to visit her sister, Eloise who was a resident there. Irene one day introduced her son Brad to Monica. And the rest Is History !Didn’t know Irene was a Match Maker, but She Was The Best Of Everything !!!!!
The Beauty She Brought To This World Will Be Missing, But Her Memories And Presence Will Last A LIfe Time !!!
My Condolences To Brad. Monica, And The Mason Family.
I first met Mrs Mason after her son Brad and I became friends and started a garage band in the 60s. we would practice at there home a lot and I’m sure it was too loud and not their type of music but they never complained and were supportive of what we were doing. Later I was fortunate enough to be on her list to receive a valentine card every wear for 60 years.she allwase had pictures of her entire family as they grew.it was always a nice surprise to receive that every year. Mrs Mason will be sorrly missed by thousounds of people for sure.
I was blessed to grow up across the street from Irene and Charlie. They were my local “grandparents.” Irene was such a sweet woman and will be dearly missed by many.
What a wonderful, kind, sweet woman she was! Her memory will be a blessing to all who knew her.
I am certain she will be missed. Condolences to her family.. Helen Guittard