Irene Martin "Lil Sugar" Tumlinson

Susan Irene Martin Tumlinson, 73, of San Angelo, TX passed away on November 25, 2025 at her home in Carlsbad surrounded by family members.

Irene was born June 25, 1952 in Hobbs, New Mexico to Paul Martin and Betty Ernst Martin. She was the youngest of three children and lived in Eunice, New Mexico until her high school years when she moved to Rankin, TX, graduating valedictorian of her Senior Class. Irene obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from ASU and went on to teach in Wellington and McCamey. Following her teaching career, she was employed at Ratliff & Edwards Attorneys as Office Manager for almost 40 years before retiring.

Irene married the love of her life, Larry Tumlinson, on May 28, 1988 in Hobbs and they lived 37 years beautiful years in San Angelo and Carlsbad. She worked with Larry in his business, GPC Services, for 37 years, until he retired in 2023. She will always be Larry’s “Lil Sugar”.

Irene is survived by her husband, Larry; sister Elizabeth (Liz) George and husband Pat; brother Jack D. Martin and Wanda Foust; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Betty Martin, and grandparents Oscar and Edna Ernst and Oscar and Viola Martin.

Irene had a big personality and an even bigger heart. She had many friends, but her special friendship with Jan Gregory endured for 55+ wonderful, fun-filled years. These best friends worked, traveled, argued and cried together through all these years. Jan was always a loving presence in Irene’s life, even when dementia threatened their relationship. Irene’s dog, Bear, was also her constant companion for many years and you didn’t dare get too close to Irene when Bear was in the room.

Not only was Irene passionate about her relationships with her family and friends, she had a true passion for recycling everything, anything purple, Coca Colas and ice cream.

Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo is in charge of arrangements. A graveside service and burial will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Wearing purple would bring a smile to Irene’s face as it was her very favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of San Angelo or another charity of your choice. During Irene’s final days of suffering with the effects of dementia, she was lovingly cared for by this agency’s wonderful nurses and caregivers.