YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – This story began Friday, September 2, 1949, at the stroke of midnight with Walter Henry and Flonerra Thompson Henry anxiously awaiting and welcoming their first baby girl, Ina Ray Henry into the world. She would be the baby sister to Alexander “Alec” Henry. Ina was given the nickname “Baby Rae” a form of her mother’s name, of which only close friends and family were allowed to use.
Ina was reared and educated through the Youngstown Public School System and graduated with honors in 1967 from The Rayen School. She was also a member of the Popularette.
Following high school, Ina earned her Bachelor of Science and MBA in Public Relations and Marketing from Youngstown State University. She passionately pursued her education and lived by her truth; “There’s nothing that can hold back a strong, educated and professional black woman.” A few of the strong black woman she followed and gained inspiration was Nikki Giovanni and Maya Angelou.
Ina’s life signature song is “God Bless The Child… That’s Got His Own”. Ina sang this song at every family gathering and this would be her tribute at family members’ birthday celebrations.
Ina took great pride in growing up on the North Side of Youngstown. She was loved, respected and admired by any and all that knew her. Ina was reared and nurtured at the hands of pastors of the New Bethel Baptist Church where she is/was a lifetime member for 69 years. Ina was baptized at the age of six by Rev. Herman Perry. Much of her spiritual guidance was under the leadership of Rev. Lonnie “Kwajo” Asin Simon. Ina was very active in her church and has served under her pastor, brother and close friend- Rev. Kenneth L. Simon in various ministries.
Ina had a presence at New Bethel Baptist Church where among other activities, she was a founding member of the Instruments Of Praise choir, Chairperson of NBBC Drama Ministry, NBBC Trustee for over 30 years, founder and instructor NBBC Computer Training Lab, served as building Chairperson for NBBC New Sanctuary 2004 overseeing a five million dollar plus project. Her final project was overseeing the renovation of the old sanctuary into the new K.L. Simon Community Center, where she also championed the memorial window project.
During early years, Ina took classical piano and voice lessons which resulted in her playing for churches and directing many choirs throughout the Youngstown and Girard areas over many years. Ina has always also had a zeal for acting. As a thespian, she loved and took pride in starring in many star roles in play productions. Ina also was a very active producer in the TV production “Get It Together”. Ina loved music, dancing, singing and was an avid professionally trained photographer. Ina toured extensively with Benny Pritchitt & Company, Mark Douglass & Company for many years and was one of the founders of P.R.A.Y Productions. Ina left a lasting impression of her with a stellar performance in “Every Goodbye Ain’t Gone” just a few days prior to her last hospital admittance.
Ina was employed for over 40 years of service, retiring with General Motors-Lordstown where she excelled and became Supervisor and Labor Relations Coordinator. This would also be the place where she met and later married Ernest George Madison.
From this union, three sons were born, Attorney Walter Tawala J. Madison (Nicole) of Streetsboro Ohio, Kevin George Madison (Felicia) of Las Vegas Nevada and Dr. Ernest Ray-Anthony Madison (Hisani) of Boyds, Maryland. Her legacy radiates with brilliance through her grandchildren who she adored, Imani Noel Madison, Nasir Legend Madison, Mekhi Legend Madison, Ania Zion Madison, Eden Zuri Madison and Khari Zora Madison. She also leaves to cherish Sidney Turner, her granddaughter-in-love.
Ina, very active in her community conducted various workshops nationwide throughout the U.S. for NANBPW Inc. in Leadership Development and Conflict Resolution. For the last 20 years, annually conducted Leadership Development Class for the Canton, Ohio Rotary International High School Juniors for several Ohio counties.
Ina conducted monthly Financial Literacy for Protestant Family Services. Ina also tremendously enjoyed being a vendor throughout holidays at Hobbies Craft Shows displaying her creative custom-made jewelry and wreaths.
Along with her sons and grandchildren, to continue her legacy are her sisters, Brenda Spencer and Marcella Croft, Columbus, Ohio; nephews, Ike Henry (Janita) of Miami, Florida, Alexander Henry and nieces, Elexis Henry and Ebony Spencer, along with a cadre of great-nieces and nephews. She leaves a score of friends, among them her besties, Betty Brown, Arthur “June” Hopson, Eleanor Baskin, Hattie and Ed Tharpe and Donna and Art Turner.
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, Ina picked up her boarding pass for her reserved flight confirmed years ago. Her scheduled departure was an uninterrupted transition as she was greeted at the gates on the other side by her mother, Rev. Flonerra Henry-Harris; father, Walter; her bonus stepfather, Porter Harris; her brother, Alec; her husband, Ernie and brother-in-love, Greg Croft, along with a host of other cloud of great witnesses.
Ina fought the good fight of faith, finished her course and arrived upon a peaceful landing at 6:40 a.m. Easy on a Sunday Morning, she joined right in with the heavenly choir.
Ina’s final journey will be honored at a 10:00 a.m. public viewing and family visitation at the New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman Street, on Wednesday April 17, 2024. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Kenneth L. Simon presiding as the celebrant. Let us come together to celebrate the beautiful life of a shining beacon of love, laughter, and light.
The family of Ina R. Madison elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44511 330.782.8500. Although Ina may have left this earth, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of many as we reminisce on the precious moments once shared.
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