Mrs. Irene Brooks was born on March 25, 1939, in E. St. Louis, IL to Ivory and Roscoe Brooks.
She was educated in the East St. Louis Public School system. She confessed her life to Christ at a young age, and has been a member of St. Paul Baptist Church for over 40 years.

On June 1, 1958, she married her soulmate Sherman Mayes, and to this union four children were born. Irene was a committed Wife and Mother. There was no greater joy than her speaking about and loving on her children. She is also affectionately known as "Baby Jean." Baby Jean was the matriarch in the Mayes/Brooks family, and she became a universal Mother figure to extended family members and friends. Irene was an advocate and was very progressive. Known for being vocal, she was engaged politically and socially in the community (especially when she and the crew held court at Billie's Coffee and Donut shop), where intense and robust discussions on current events were held. She was a "Daughter of Elk," Elks Venus Temple #1042, for 40 years. In between taking care of her family and socializing, she worked several administrative positions in the city during her career. However, it was her final job as a Certified Lactation Counselor that brought her much joy, a position that she would eventually retire from in the state of Illinois.

Irene was a great cook, her skill in preparing southern cuisine resulted in many satisfied family and church members and friends. She loved to garden, and she was an animal lover (especially her beloved Barack, Throw and Spike) - the three notorious dogs that would not allow anyone to get close to her. She was fun and loving, and expressed her love for life however she pleased. Her greatest love was worshiping GOD with her church family, and serving as a Deaconess at St. Paul Baptist Church.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Irene Mayes departed this life at the age of 80. She left peacefully knowing that she had accomplished all that she set out to do, to leave behind her legacy of love and serving her family and community. Following her beloved husband of 60 years (who departed this
life August 26, 2018), she leaves behind Jennifer L. Gabriel (daughter), Troy A. Mayes (son), Carmen D. Montgomery (daughter), Jerri L. Mayes (daughter), Ann Brooks (sister), Kimberly Brooks (sister), Gail Brooks (sister), three grandchildren (Tim Gabriel, JR, Jazz Gabriel and Travis Mayes), two great grandchildren (Zackary Law-Gabriel and Summer Harrison), Aunts and Uncles (Sonny Hudson, Eula Hudson and Emma Hudson), and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other close relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were Ivory Brooks (mother), Roscoe Brooks (father), 2 brothers: Stanley Brooks, Lloyd Brooks; and two sisters, Faye Mathews, and Wendy Green.