On July 25, 1927, Inez was born to Robert and Hattie Wright in Amsterdam, Georgia. At the age of five, the family moved to Miami, Florida, and resided in Overtown. Her mother later moved to Carvers Ranches, which became the meeting place for family members on the weekends. Inez had sisters, Bernell (deceased), Pank (deceased), and Mozilla (deceased), and one brother, Robert, Jr. (Brah), (deceased). She and her sister, Bernell, left school to work and help their parents, after their father fell ill.

While working at the “M &M” Cafeteria, she met and married Bertram Hiram Ingraham when she was 17 years old. He then joined the Air Force and took park in World War II. Upon completion of the service, they moved to Bunch Park, in Opa Locka, Florida. Inez and Bertram were married for sixty-four years, until his death August 19, 2008.

They had twelve children: sons, Bertram, Jr. (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Jimmy Lee (deceased), David (deceased), Michael (deceased), and Steven (deceased), and daughters, Laverne (deceased), Panky Lee (deceased’s), and Isabel (deceased).

Inez worked on Miami Beach for many years as a maid. She joined First Faith Cathedral Church, which was located on northwest 36th street and 27th avenue, with Pastor Baker. She often reminded us of a dream she had, in which she heard a loud voice that came to her and said, “preach the gospel, preach the gospel.” She later joined the missionary ministry, praying for others wherever she went.

Years later, she was ordained as a pastor by Pastor Blouin of First Faith Cathedral. From 1983 to 2008, she was the pastor of a little store front church, located at 2990 Northwest 54th Street, by the name of “Temple of God and Christ.” They had an old organ there that she would play to the beat of whatever song they sang. You would think she had taken music lessons.

All of the older members passed away, and the children grew up and went away to school or got married. Only she and one other member were left. Her daughter, Linda, often told her that her mission was complete, she had obeyed God and ushered souls into heaven, but she continued to minister to people that she would meet. Her message, “give your life to Christ, and be ready when He comes, because HE IS COMING SOON.”

She was survived by: her daughter, Linda Bestman; sons, Joseph and Abel Ingraham; and a host of other relatives, family, and friends.