Irene Parker Bratten

Irene Bratten, age 84, of Bethpage, TN passed away unexpectedly at her home on July 23, 2023. Irene was a native of Macon County, born on June 11, 1939, to William and Mary Parker. She attended East Nashville High School.

Irene married her former spouse, Jim Tidwell. They had two children, Christopher and Bruce. After living briefly in North Carolina, Irene returned to her native Tennessee and met William Bratten Jr., whom she later married. Irene worked in real estate and in running a restaurant.

Irene is survived by her sons, Christopher (Cynthia) Tidwell and Bruce (Mary) Tidwell and her grandchildren Lauren and James Tidwell as well as many siblings, nieces, and nephews from the Parker side of the family. Irene was predeceased by her parents, her husband, William, her sister Velma, and her brother Herman Parker.

Irene loved country music and loved to sing when she was younger. One of her favorite memories as a youth was working in Ernest Tubbs Record Shop and meeting young stars such as Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton when they were new to the country music business.