Born on February 12, 1938 in Houma, Louisiana, Irene was the youngest of 10 children born to Jeff and Cecile Jackson.  As the beloved baby sister, she was known as “Dene” by her siblings.  Irene attended Southdown High School where she played women’s basketball and excelled as a student. 

After graduating Southdown High School in 1956, Irene left Houma to attend the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to train as an x-ray technician.  In April 1957, Irene relocated to Los Angeles, California to pursue the “California Dream.”  During the early 1960s, Irene was a clerk typist for the Internal Revenue Service.

Irene met businessman and truck driver, Jimmie Williams, Jr. soon after her arrival in Los Angeles.  They later married in April 1964 and to that union was born a son, Rick in October 1966.  In addition to Rick, Irene gained three stepchildren: Deborah, Ola Lisa and Rodney.  Irene and family enjoyed barbecues, bowling, camping and road trips, and entertaining with family and friends.  She was known as a wonderful cook and gracious entertainer; renowned for her seafood gumbo, corn pudding and potato salad.  Irene and Jimmie separated in 1977 and later divorced; yet maintained a close friendship throughout the years.

During the early 1970s, Irene pursued a career in cosmetology and attended Suzanne’s Beauty College.  She became a licensed cosmetology instructor in 1975 and taught for three years.  In 1978, Irene left the cosmetology field to pursue a long and rewarding career in the aerospace industry at Hughes Aircraft.  In 1996, Irene accepted early retirement and later returned to the aerospace field working as a clerk-analyst for Raytheon.  Irene shared a home with her niece Joan Johnson for the past 17 years, whom she had a close bond with since childhood.

Irene was an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, where she served as a deacon.  She was known for her strong faith and commitment to service, which radiated the light and love of Christ.  Her caring, charm and tireless work ethic endeared her to everyone she met.

Irene is preceded in death by her father, Jeff Jackson, Sr.; mother Cecile Jackson; brothers John Jackson, Sr. and Eulis Richard Jackson; and sisters Martha Lockett and Cecile “Táte” Jackson.   She will be greatly missed and her memory will forever be cherished by those who survive her including son Rick Williams of Sacramento, California; brothers the Reverend Jeff Jackson, Jr. and Willard Jackson of Houma Louisiana; sisters Georgia Mitchell of Houma, Louisiana, Rosa Mae Wallace of Vallejo, California and Frances Hairston of Inglewood, California; as well as a multitude of nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.