Irene Denise Lee-Grayson

Irene Lee was born on April 28, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, to Mae Shelby. At a young age, she was lovingly raised and cared for by Mary and Thomas Tate in the Willowbrook unincorporated area of Los Angeles, California. Irene attended grade school and middle school there. During her high school years, she often went to the Bay Area of California to be with her grandmother and attended both George Washington High School in San Francisco and Centennial High School in Compton, California, graduating with the class of '69.

After completing high school, Irene was selected for a government internship due to her excellent clerical and incredibly fast typing skills. She often said that she tested at 105 words per minute and worked on the first supercomputer at that time. Also during that time, she met her love, Airman Clarence E. Lee, whom she married and with whom she had three children: Clarence (Dasean), Rhonda, and Rodney Lee. As a military family, the world was their home, but they eventually settled in Los Angeles. Later, Irene would go on to meet another love, Terry Grayson, with whom she had her fourth child, Jermaine Lee.

Irene held various jobs throughout her life, but she ultimately built a fulfilling career as an administrative assistant for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Known for her radiant smile and vibrant personality, she was beloved by her colleagues. She worked at different schools, both junior high and high school, but her favorite was 42nd Street Elementary, where she could take Rodney and Jermaine to school and work at the same time. Irene retired from the district after her many years of dedicated service. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with.

After retiring, Irene dedicated her life to raising, caring for, and unconditionally loving her grandchildren: Little Dasean, Davonte, Sacora, Jackie, and Joshua. Irene had a zest for life and cherished spending time with her family. She enjoyed traveling, dancing, entertaining company, and celebrating special events. Morning walks, when she was able, brought her particular joy. Her favorite moments were spent in adult conversations, sharing her wisdom and experiences. Irene loved to plan events, giving advice and love when doing so. She also organized Vegas bus trips for seniors and worked as a home care worker, balancing all these commitments while showcasing her dedication to helping others.

Most of all, Irene's greatest love was her family. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, godmother, mother-in-law, and friend. Her family loved her deeply and cherished every moment with her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Thomas Tate; her son, Rodney Lee; two brothers; one sister; and her dear friend and sister, Janet Watson. Irene leaves to cherish her memory her children: Clarence, Rhonda, and Jermaine with his wife Myisha and their family; her grandchildren: Desean with his wife Cedlish and their family, Davonte and his family, Sacora and her family, Joshua, Jackie and her family, and Meliah and her family; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Her love, warmth, and unwavering support will forever be missed but will always remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.