Nearly 13 months after World War I ended and at the tail end of the Spanish Flu pandemic, a baby named Irene Bishop was born in the western part of Denton County.
Since that day in 1919, the woman now known as Irene Shaw has lived a full and rewarding life. On Dec. 6, she celebrated her 106th birthday and while no official records are kept, the longtime Denton resident may be the oldest living person in Denton County.
Shaw grew up on a 200-acre property outside the Plainview community west of Krum adjacent to Wise County. Her father, Pearson Bishop, ran the family farm and cattle while mom Mamie ran the household…