Ina B. Sinclair

Ina Bell (Benjamin) Sinclair, 86, of New York City and Palm Bay, Florida died Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at New York Presbyterian Allen Hospital, in New York City. She was born June 3, 1926 in Saint Andrew, Jamaica, West Indies, the daughter of the late Aubrey and Marjorie Anna (Wiles) Benjamin. She is pre-deceased by three brothers (Louis, Egbert and Willie) and two sisters (Merlin and May) and survived by one brother Burnet (Roy) Benjamin of Saint Thomas, Jamaica, West Indies. She is also survived by three sons (Ronald, Neville and Norman), three daughters (Norma, Donna and Carol), daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchild, beloved nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews and other family members.

She spent a difficult youth in Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica after the loss of her mother when she was only 4 years old. After marrying Alan Sinclair (now deceased), she became a stay-at-home mother until she immigrated to the United States in 1962 in an effort to seek a better life for her and her family. She became a certified beautician in 1965, but soon changed careers to become a Nursing Assistant at Montefiore Hospital in New York City and remained there for more than 25 years during which time her children joined her in the U.S. After retiring from Montefiore, she retired to Palm Bay, Florida where she resided for more than 20 years. There she became a member of the Palm Bay Senior Center and a devoted member of the Palm Bay United Methodist Church.

Although the loss of her own mother at the tender age of four in Jamaica was a devastating turning point in her life as well as the lives of her siblings. That experience led her to become a lifelong, devoted mother determined to help her children appreciate the importance of a close and supportive family unit. She was a loving, kind and gentle-hearted soul who treasured her home, her immediate and extended family, and her friends. She welcomed everyone who entered her home and made them family. She mothered everyone, always ready with a hug, a gentle smile. Throughout her life, she enjoyed gardening, cooking traditional Jamaican meals for her family and friends, and adventures planned by family and friends. Her zest for life, her kindness and loving ways always drew her to everyone she met. She will be sorely missed.

A funeral service honoring her life will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Palm Bay United Methodist Church, 2100 Port Malabar Boulevard, Palm Bay, 32905, Florida. Viewings will take place on Friday, April 12, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Fountainhead Funeral Home, 7359 Babcock, S.E., Palm Bay, 32909, Florida. Family hours will take place from 6 – 8 pm. Instead of flowers, donations in memory of Ina Sinclair may be made to Palm Bay United Methodist Church’s organ fund.