Ina Piette Friesel

Whether commanding the runway as Miss Bronze America in 1955 or striding fearlessly alongside lions on safari, Ina M. Piette Friesel carved her own path through this world—a woman who refused to let anyone else write her story.

The youngest of eight children, Ina was born to Ina and Albert McKenzie on November 15, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio. There, she sang soprano in her Church of God choir before becoming the only sibling to venture beyond home when she relocated to Los Angeles in 1959.

Known for her wit and tenacity, Ina took LA by storm, and her accomplishments were quite numerous. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of Ina Piette Productions, a talent booking agency that included notable talents such as Etta James, Spanky Wilson, Angela Teek, and Esther Phillips. Beyond her professional success, she cultivated meaningful connections as a respected member and a former President of the prestigious Los Angeles Regalettes civic club.

Never one to rest on her laurels, and with a passion for learning, Ina pursued higher education at both Pepperdine and UCLA, culminating in a Master's in Sociology. This academic achievement opened doors to her career as a Parole Agent with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, a position she held with distinction until retiring in 1992. She was also the first African-American to hold the office of President of the organization, “Women In The Criminal Justice System”.

Ina’s passport was a true travelogue, which included adventures from far-off places around the world. Some of her excursions were solo, some were shared … but all were a testament to her zest for living life to the fullest! Between adventures, she found joy in simpler pleasures: soaking up the sunshine on her ocean-view deck, sharing peaceful moments with Jim as her hummingbirds darted among their feeders, or tending to her small garden, where she grew peppers and tomatoes.

Ina joins her late husband, Jim Friesel; her parents, Ina and Albert McKenzie; her sisters, Gladys Howard and Blanche Powell; and her brothers, Elbert, Ray, Doyle, and Albert Jr. McKenzie. She leaves behind three children: Rhonda and Tony Crutchfield, and Andre Piette; her sister Kate Davis; grandchildren Anthony Crutchfield, twins Christian and Jean-Paul Piette, and Lisette Piette-Masters; great-grandchildren Tony Curtis Crutchfield and Rory Masters; along with many extended family members and friends.

With deep respect,

The Family