Inetta Gaut Durham was born in Marshall, Texas to Thomas Alex Gaut and Olivia Johnson Gaut on May 2, 1940. She attended Marshall public schools graduating from H. B Pemberton High School in 1958.

Inetta married Bervin Royal (d). To that union one daughter, Tina, and three sons, Bervin, Jr., John L., and Calvin Dwane were born. No children were born to her marriage with James Earl Durham, Sr. (d).

Inetta was employed by Marshall Independent School District and Marshall Exploration as a custodian. Later she worked as a housekeeper in several private residences. During her leisure time, she enjoyed cooking and solving puzzles.

She received spiritual inspiration from membership at Red Oak United Methodist Church.

Inetta was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Alex Gaut and Olivia Johnson Gaut; sisters, Zelma Ree Gaut, Ruth Edna Gaut, Ruthie Dee Clark, and Annetta Williams; and a brother, Alex Gaut, Jr.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are children, Bervin Royal , Jr. of Longview, Texas, Tina Stoker, John L. Royal (Ethel), and Calvin D. Royal all of Marshall, Texas; 16 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; a special friend, Erma Singleton; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.