Born in Augusta, Georgia on January 26, 1931, to Ernestine Boyd (Hill) and Robert Boyd. Irene—affectionately known as "Priss" by her family—led a life marked by love, style, strength, and a deep commitment to her family and community.

She graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School for Girls in 1949 and continued her education at Albany State College, where she met and married James Warren Jones in July 1952. Their union was a beautiful chapter that reflected shared values and enduring love even after their divorce.

Irene was a woman of many passions. She loved to travel and held a special affection for West Africa and Las Vegas, Nevada. She took yearly trips to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, alongside her dear friends Dolores Seay, Diane Ryan, and Gelicia Edwards. These trips were a source of joy and lasting memories.

She also had a brilliant mind and was a master of cryptograms, and she delighted in playing the Massachusetts lottery and picking up scratch tickets—always with hopeful excitement.

Her love of music was lifelong, with The Platters and Otis Redding holding a special place in her heart. Known for her impeccable sense of fashion, she was a loyal shopper at Worth's of Boston until its closure and always carried herself with elegance and grace.

Professionally, Irene dedicated herself to public service. She worked as a Personnel Officer in the House Officers Registration Office at Boston City Hospital until her retirement in 1989. Retirement didn't slow her down—she continued to serve in various part-time roles at University Hospital, remaining active and engaged.

Above all, Irene was a devoted and nurturing matriarch. She was instrumental in the life of her daughter Pamela and provided continuous love and guidance to her grandson Jared. Although she didn't have the opportunity to care for her great-grandsons Alan and James, she deeply cherished seeing them grow and took delight in their playful antics and milestones.

Her caregiving extended to other beloved family members as well, including her mother Ernestine and her uncle Charles V. Hill. Her generosity and compassion left a lasting legacy.

Irene was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Robert Boyd.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter Pamela Jones Sampson (Stanley) of Massachusetts; Her grandson Jared T. Sampson (Lareeca); her great-grandsons Alan Lee and James Warren Sampson of North Carolina; her nephew Robert Laurence Boyd of Massachusetts; cousins Hilda Harris Ransom (Edward) and William Bradford Harris of Massachusetts; cousins Louise Garrett and Carolyn Fields; Cousin Rai Alexander and her children Delaney and Riley of Atlanta, Georgia; and any other loving and caring family members and friends

The family offers heartfelt thanks to her longtime physicians Dr. Suzanne Salamon and Dr. Stuart Berman for their compassionate care. Deep gratitude also goes to Marie Lambert and Myrlene Sanon for their exceptional and loving caregiving.

The family extends their sincere appreciation for the many kind thoughts, prayers, and support during this time of mourning.