Irene Jackson Elam, 95, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio.

Born on January 7, 1930, in Fleming County, Kentucky, Irene was the daughter of the late Paris and Flora Meade Jackson. She was married to her beloved husband, Joseph Vaughn Elam on June 18, 1949.

Irene's professional life was marked by her incredible versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. Her career path spanned many adventures, including working at the Eagles Nest as a waitress and secretary, as a Dairy Manager in Irvine, Kentucky, a secretary at a Frisch's restaurant in Dayton, Ohio, and a manager at Young's Storage and Moving. After starting her property management career in Hamilton, Ohio, she returned to her beloved country home where she started her own business as an antiques dealer and rental/property manager.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Irene was deeply committed to her community and faith. She was a dedicated member of Little Mary Baptist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, The Morehead Art Guild, and the Morehead-Rowan County Historical Society. She was also an active member of the Red Hatters, Friends of the Library, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and the Sharkey Homemakers.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Paris and Flora Meade Jackson; her siblings: Hazel Jackson, Lynden Jackson, James Jackson, Edwin Jackson, Paul Jackson, Flora Ruth Byrd; her husband, Joseph Elam; her son, Larry Bruce Elam; and her son-in-law, John J. Stallard.

She is survived by her siblings, Paris Jackson, Jr., Loretta Cassity, John Jackson, Alice Stadin, Marvin Tob Jackson, and Joan Pitney. She is also survived by her children: Bill Elam (Connie), Butch Elam (Kathy), Belinda Stallard; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Elam.

Irene's legacy continues through her numerous grandchildren, Brad Elam (Jennifer), Eric Elam, Jared Elam, John E. Stallard (Cheryl), Mackenzie Hill, Carrie Adazzio (John), Morgan Babb (Nick), Jessica McLaughlin (John), Jordan Elam (Kaci) and Bryant Elam (Kate).  She is also survived by her 26 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel, with the Reverend James DeAtley and Jarrod DeAtley officiating. Interment will follow in the Jackson Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351

View memorial tribute or sign online guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com