Irene Jackson was born on December 8, 1923, to Louis and Lydia Jackson. She was the only girl in a family with four boys. Irene accepted Christ at an early age. She received her primary education in Texas.

Irene Jackson and Fred Johnson exchanged vows, and to that union, her only son James Lee Johnson was born.

In 1955, she and her young son, James moved to Menlo Park to explore better opportunities for growth and employment. While there, she worked in the Laundry Service Operations Department at the Palo Alto Veteran's Affairs Hospital. She also worked as a "Governess", providing full time care for her clients' homes and families. Irene, affectionately known as "Gran" was never a stranger to hard work, and she did it all while maintaining her own household, and raising her son, James Lee.

She loved to work in her garden, growing greens, turnips, beets, lettuce, peppers, okra, green beans, wax beans, crowder peas, plums, "You name it"! Gran could "cook up a storm"! She was well and widely known for her fried chicken, fried fish, greens, hot water cornbread, head cheese, potato salad, mac & cheese, spaghetti, ham, turkey, sweet potato pie, pound cake and more! Her door was always open to friends and relatives who were transitioning from Texas to California.

Gran took many trips by Greyhound to visit James in Bremerton, WA with her young granddaughter, Carla in tow. They also travelled by bus to Texas to visit relatives Family was everything to her. Irene was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She never met a stranger and would often share funny stories about her life. In her later years, Irene moved back to Texas and married James "Papa" Cato. She was his best friend and loving soul mate until his passing.

Irene was a faithful member of Belgrade Baptist Church, attending service regularly until her health began to fail. Throughout her years, she never complained, and her faith in God was unwavering. On October 26, 2022, God sent His angels to usher Ms. Irene Jackson Cato to her heavenly home. Sleep well Queen, we will see you in the morning!

She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Lydia Jackson, and her brothers, Curtis, Charley, Louis, and Leon.

Left to cherish her memories are James (Mary) Johnson of Bon Wier, TX; granddaughter, Carla J. Johnson of East Palo Alto, CA; grandsons Kiley (Java) Johnson, Trevor Johnson of Tacoma, WA, and a host of great-grandchildren, a great-great grand, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends alike.

You are forever in our hearts.