Obituary of Imogene Tarver

Imogene Branch Tarver passed peacefully from this life at home on June 3, 2011 after a brief illness. She had a full life, well lived, was spiritually prepared, and was a beautiful lady. Jean was born in Walters, Oklahoma on December 26, 1919. After having enlisted in the U.S. Women's Army Corps to help hasten the return of her brothers and our troops in WWII, she attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in a unit decoding enemy messages, something of which she was hesitant to speak. While serving two and one-half years in the service of her country, she met her future husband Willis A. Tarver and they married after the war. The young couple both attended the University of Denver where Jean received a degree in education. She also attained a Masters degree from Colorado State University. Jean and Willis settled in Adams County, Colorado as educators where she enjoyed a career teaching business education. Upon retirement, they returned to Caldwell Parish and Columbia and became active in civic, cultural, and social organizations. She was a tireless fundraiser. Jean was deeply honored to have been recognized as a 50- year member of her beloved Order of the Eastern Star. She dearly loved to open her home to many local church and civic organizations and was known as a gracious hostess. Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Willis A. Tarver and is survived by her son, Willis A. "Tarby" Tarver II and wife Mimi Hunnicutt Tarver; a granddaughter, Katherine Tarver, whom she adored and doted upon; sister, Katherine Robles and brother, Joe Branch; niece, Regina Franklin; nephew, Jimmie Lee Grant; her friend, Dennis Mullican, whom she referred to her as her "good" son; and Robert Collinson, her dedicated caretaker and devoted friend. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday June 4, 2011 at Riser Funeral Home in Columbia. Burial services will be held privately at Welcome Home Cemetery in Grayson. The Tarver family requests that in lieu of flowers or food, planned memorials be made to the Caldwell Parish Public Library.