Irene Pierce Grayson

Irene (nick-named Renie) was born in American Fork, Utah on November 8, 1931 to Ida Cleone Manning and George Dewey Pierce.  She was the 8^th child of 11 children born to this family, having  8 brothers and 2 sisters.

Irene grew up working on their family farm.  These experiences helped cultivate the qualities of the hardworking, self-motivated, independent woman she would become. Qualities that would serve her well throughout her life.

Irene graduated from American Fork High School in 1950.  Soon after, she moved to Portland, Oregon. It was here that she met her husband of 58 years, Jack Martin Grayson.  They were married on October 23, 1953 In Portland, Oregon and were later sealed in the Los Angeles LDS temple on April 16, 1965.He preceded her in death on November 13, 2011.  Irene supported, worked along-side,  laughed a lot and cried some, with her husband in many different ventures and adventures throughout their lives together, while also being a full-time mother, a role she cherished.

Their union produced six daughters: Gail (Dave) Evans, Gloria (Joe) Kelley, Glenda (Verlen) Love, Gwen (the late Andre’) Jones, Greer Gigi Marshall, Georgia (James) Wadsworth.  One of Irene’s greatest sources of pride and joy was in the legacy of her family of 22 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren … and counting.

Irene was a woman of varied talents she willingly shared with others.  She wrote many fun, witty, plays for her church’s roadshows, and served in several capacities of various organizations of the LDS church.  She was a very accomplished quilter and produced dozens of beautiful quilts for all of her family members.   One of her most treasured legacies is of the hundreds of handmade, intricate Christmas stockings she lovingly sewed for all of her family and many of her beloved friends.  If she wanted to learn how to do something, she did it.

She loved babies, birds, animals, beautiful sunsets, flowers,  gardening and reading.

Irene is survived by all six daughters, four sons-in-law, two step-daughters, (Pamela Collins and Jeaninne Grayson) all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her older sister, Gloria Mellion, and younger brother, Niles and wife Shirley Pierce, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at a location yet to be determined.