Inez Hartley

Inez May Hartley peacefully passed away in her sleep at the remarkable age of 104 on July 2nd, 2024, in the care of her second-born and beloved daughter, Evadney. Inez was born to Robert Hartley and Alice Chowers on June 2, 1920, in Kingston, Jamaica.

She had two beautiful girls with her domestic partner, Stanley East named Joyce East Anderson, who is currently residing in Birmingham, England and her youngest daughter, Evadney East Lollis, currently residing in Indianapolis, Indiana, which was Inez’s final residence for over 40 amazing years.

She leaves behind her cherished memory 9 grandchildren (Barbara, Brian, Paul, Stephen, Raymond, Sheila, Devin, Lisa and Yvonne) 10 great-grandchildren (Emma, Shaniequa , Alex, Edrena, Ewart, Zach, Josh, Scott, Charlotte, Jessica) and 6 great great-grandchildren (Brenyah, Tameyia, Aaliyah, Madison, Khalil and Ava). She was preceded in death by her mother, father, two brothers, son-in-law, a grandson and two great-grandchildren.

Inez spent the majority of her younger life in Kingston, Jamaica where she graduated from beauty school in her early 20s. As she was developing an eye for fashion and building local connections in her community, she eventually opened her own beautician and dressmaking business. As her family started to

depart the beautiful island of Jamaica, she eventually made the hard decision to close her shop and move to either the United Kingdom or the United States to be with her daughters and grandchildren. She ultimately decided on America and moved from her beloved tropical paradise to the fast-paced big city of Manhattan, NY, in 1970.

After living in New York for 15 years, she relocated to Indiana to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren for the second time in her life. During her time in Indiana, she obtained her US Citizenship, joined Zion Hope Baptist Church, where she was a member for 25 years and served in the missionary. Later, she followed her daughter to Mt. Carmel Church and continued her missionary service where she remained until her passing.

Inez from her early adult years until the time she passed, was a very proud woman who endured ageism, racism and sexism throughout her long-lived life. Through all the trials and tribulations, she endured and witnessed over the past century, she never wavered in her faith in God and her commitment to her loving family that resided in three countries.

Inez will be missed, but we know that she was tired, and God wanted her home. May the winds of eternity carry you gently, dear Inez, as you rest in the embrace of eternity in God’s kingdom.

A visitation for Inez will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM.