Ina Michelle Young

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

Dear Father,

Our hearts today are burdened and troubled. Comfort our spirits with the assurance that our belief in you provides us with an assurance of our salvation. Thank you for preparing a place for us, for taking care of our needs, and being ready to take us home. We look to you for comfort, for peace and for life. Amen.

Ina was born on February 25, 1981, in Berkeley, California to Anita and Dillard. The doctors didn’t know if she would live, talk or walk. There was also a possibility of Ina being blind. Anita was faithful to God that her daughter would thrive. She had multiple surgeries as an infant and each time the doctors were amazed at her progress and resilience. Ina was a miracle baby— a blessing to us all.

Ina lived an amazing 40 years of life. As a chatty child, she loved to joke around and make others laugh, especially her sister Kimberly. She enjoyed rooting for the Raiders alongside her father, Dillard, who she joins in heaven. Ina spent hours discussing the rivalry of the Raiders vs. the 49ers with her Uncle Jonathan.

In her spare time, she also enjoyed writing. She graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1999 and held a job for the News Group for several years.

Ina was very strong in her faith in God. She joined the choir at Hilltop Community Church and made many lifelong friendships there. Being a part of the choir brought her years of joy. She was always the first to offer an ear, words of encouragement, and prayers to anyone in need. She cared about people deeply and wore her heart on her sleeve.

In 2009, she married Eric Young in a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Sadly, Eric passed away on Valentine’s Day in 2015 while Ina was recovering from hip surgery. She channeled her strength to heal and she continued to live life to its fullest, including living in her own apartment in El Cerrito and raising her puppy, Blessings.

Ina is survived by her mother, Anita, her stepfather, Emile, her biological sister, Kimberly, her step-siblings Elainea, Maria, and Derek, along with extended family and a host of cousins, aunts and uncles. The memories and the love we shared with Ina will be forever cherished and she will be in our thoughts always.

A public viewing for Ina will be held Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Fuller Funerals, Inc, 3100 Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804.