Ina T Young

Mrs. Ina T. Young, lovingly known by her family, simply as "Grandma” entered this world on November 12, 1922, in Chilton, Texas, to Amber Wallace Hood and James Hood. Ina grew up in Eastland, Texas. where she developed the quiet strength, unwavering faith, and determination that would define her remarkable life.

On February 4, 1940, she married Norman "Tompoe" Young. Together they shared sixty-one years of marriage, building a family rooted in love, faith, resilience, and enduring devotion.

Ina believed that education did not determine intelligence. During her early school years, she excelled academically, enjoyed playing basketball, and proudly competed in spelling bees. Although her formal education ended after the fourth grade when Ina had to help her family work in the cotton fields, yet her love of learning never diminished. She remained an exceptional speller throughout her life—even at 103 years old—and possessed an extraordinary mind coupled with an unshakable determination to learn.

After working for years as a domestic worker, she pursued a career as an insurance broker. When she sat for the state licensing examination, she earned the highest score among all test-takers, a remarkable achievement that reflected the brilliance, perseverance, and quiet confidence that characterized her entire life.

Ina greatest accomplishments were never measured by occupations or titles, but by the lives she touched.

Ina loved the Lord with all her heart. Ina was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at the Church of Light in Corcoran, California, where she faithfully served as president of the young people's department and Sunday School teacher. Throughout her life she remained steadfast in her faith, worshipping for 30+ years at Apostolic Faith Home Assembly in Los Angeles, CA, before becoming a faithful member of Arkway Ministry Church in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, where her beloved grandson, Elder Orlando James Arkadie, serves as pastor.

Psalm 23 was more than her favorite Scripture—it was the song of her life. She read it often and, in later years, listened to it each evening before she went to sleep, resting in the peace and promises of the Shepherd she trusted so completely.

To know Ina was to feel welcomed. She possessed a quiet spirit, but hers was a powerful presence. She was wise beyond measure, offering practical, common-sense counsel that brought direction to countless family members and friends. She listened more than she spoke, but when she did speak, people paid attention. Her words carried discernment and truth.

She also possessed a wonderful sense of humor. Her grandchildren delighted in sitting at her feet, listening to stories of another time—stories filled with laughter, hardship, perseverance, and the lessons she learned while building a family founded upon love, respect, faith, and unity.

No visit to her home was complete without experiencing her warmth and hospitality. Whether she was serving one of her famous coconut pies or sweet potato pies, or opening her door to loved ones, she made every person feel like they belonged. Her easy spirit had a way of drawing people close, and once you found your way into her heart, you remained there forever.

On July 26, 2026, at 5:55 p.m., Ina Young peacefully answered the Lord's call at her home in Cabazon, California. She was surrounded by generations of the family she had spent a lifetime nurturing—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. It was a peaceful homegoing, filled with the same love she had nurtured and so generously poured into others throughout her life.

Though Ina’s physical presence is gone, the legacy she leaves behind will continue through every life she has influenced. Her faith remains an example. Her wisdom continues to guide. Her laughter echoes in cherished memories. And her love lives in the family she built, the lives she shaped, and the generations who proudly call her theirs.

Ina was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Norman "Tompoe" Young; her only son, George Edward Young; her daughter-in-law, Joanne Eggins-Young; and her cherished siblings: Thelma Paul, James Curly Hood, Riley Lee Hood, Hansel Hood, Wallace Hood, Chaney Mae Earl and dearest friend Jeweldean Nevels-Guest.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Doris Ann Hill, Norma Jean Young, Vercie Lee Young, and Hitaji Kidogo; her devoted son-in-law, CSJ Kidogo; her beloved children in love, Mary and Phil Feree; and women who held a special place in her heart, Stella Harris, Sherrie A. May and Lorrine Wilson. Ina is survived by her youngest sister,” Baby Sister” Jernice Smith, and her nieces who were especially close to her heart, Ava Marie Linthicum, Ana Edwards, and Pinkie Edwards. She also leaves behind a treasured legacy through her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, each is blessed by her unconditional love and wisdom.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want...” Psalm 23