Katherine Esther Jackson (née Scruse, born Kattie B. Screws; May 4, 1930) is the matriarch of the Jackson family of entertainers that includes her children Michael (1958-2009) and Janet Jackson. Early life Jackson was born as Kattie B. Screws on May 4, 1930 in Clayton, Alabama, the elder daughter of Martha (née Upshaw; December 14, 1902 – April 30, 1990) and Prince Albert Screws (October 16, 1907 – January 21, 1997). Jackson contracted polio at the age of two, which left her with a noticeable limp. In 1934, her father changed his surname to Scruse, and renamed her to Katherine Esther Scruse. As a child, Jackson aspired to become an actress or country singer, but was dismayed to find no notable black country stars. Her parents divorced when she was still a child. She joined her high school band while she was a student at Washington High School in East Chicago, Indiana. Matriarch of the Jackson family In 1947, Scruse met Joseph "Joe" Jackson, a fellow resident of East Chicago, Indiana. Scruse and Joe began dating after obtaining an annulment of his earlier marriage. The couple married on November 5, 1949, after dating for a year. In January 1950, they purchased a two-bedroom house on 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana. The house had just two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a small utility room for the washing machine and freezer. Their sons slept in bunk beds in one bedroom, Jackson and Joe in the other, while their daughters slept in the living room. From 1950 until 1966, Jackson and Joe had 10 children, including twins Marlon and Brandon, the latter of whom died a few hours after birth. Those children are: Maureen Reillette "Rebbie" Jackson (born May 29, 1950) Sigmund Esco "Jackie" Jackson (born May 4, 1951) Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson (born October 15, 1953) Jermaine La Jaune Jackson (born December 11, 1954) La Toya Yvonne Jackson (born May 29, 1956) Marlon David Jackson (born March 12, 1957) Brandon David Jackson (born and died March 12, 1957); 2 months premature Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) Steven Randall "Randy" Jackson (born October 29, 1961) Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) The Jackson 5 The Jackson 5 was founded in 1964 in Gary, Indiana. It included brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after. The Jackson