It’s amazing how time flies.Continue to Rest In Peace 

Resting in heaven.May your soul be at peace.It’s amazing how time flies.

In 2018 while in Houston visiting friends for Christmas, we met Ina at a holiday dinner she hosted at her home.  It did not take but a few moments for us to know that Ina was a believer, a woman of strong faith and Christ-like character traits.  We felt so very comfortable in her presence. We exchanged contact information and kept in touch after our return home.  Her notes of encouragement exuded the love of our Maker.  Now that you have gone to rest in His arms, dear Ina, lean into His bosom and be at peace.  You ran a good race and your trophy awaits!
Our condolences to the entire Foster family.
Love,
Bryan & Julie

"Within our deepest hearts and innermost souls we find our true friends - and they are essential to our memories, our connectedness, our sense of perspective and place."  Ina's smile and youthfulness, her vivacity and straightforwardness, her caring spirit and joy for life will live on in our hearts.  Our deepest sympathy to Cheryl and Paula and all Ina's family.  
Gregory & Pat Escoffery

To Ina’s Family - 

We only had the pleasure of knowing youthful Ina for a short period of time.  She will be remembered as someone who lights up a room with her positive outlook and warm, beautiful smile.  She was a naturally gifted and graceful dancer.  We will remember  her best for her  quick wit and great sense of humor.  She will be sorely missed.

Jerry & Beth Ibara
Fellow Fred Astaire Students

Dear Ina..warm, kind, spirited and vibrant..gone so suddenly. May the Lord hold you tenderly in his arms in His Kingdom. May he also bring peace and comfort to Paula and Cheryl as they endure this heartache and loss. Rest well Ina.
Helen and Wayne Morris

Miss Ina was poineer and a great leader in the Houston Community. 
A lady with incredible patience and grace.
So many years working in service for the Caribbean people; and never a sharp word or a
A "Cut Yeye". 
Her spirit will endure through her great works and her family. 
My Respect and Admiration for our beloved Miss Ina Foster.

A loving and kind human being , Miss Ina as she was affectionately called , a dedicated individual who did so much with the special gifts she had, She was an Institution, the hope & dream of a Community of Jamaicans, of West Indians & of Americans , an inspiration for all. God saw you getting tired & a cure was not to be, So He put his arms around you , And Whispered , come to me.  Your life was a Blessing, your memory a treasure, You are loved beyond words, And missed beyond measure.    I watched you on the Dancefloor, Dancing round & round the Block,     I said you are the best God has given us,  But now He has to take you back.


In the dance of life, good friends are the people who encourage you to be your best, who like you for who you are, who remind you what steps to take when you’ve forgotten the way.  To help balance things out, they keep you on your toes, they make you smile even when you are stumbling through life, and the stories, support and laughter they bring to the years feel more like music to your ears than just about anything.
...., for our numerous phone consultations on how to cook various dishes.  “ Ina, how yuh Mek dis?” thank you.
..... for the joy, laughter and spice you threaded through our lives.  Thank you.
...... for a friendship that will forever be treasured and greatly missed.  Thank you

With love to you, Dennis and Daphne.  Heaven is alive with nuff cooking, dancing, labrish and merriment!!💕💕

Ali

Seeing Ina in choir was always a delight.  She was so caring and warm and was a beautiful friend.  She helped with many projects,  some involving food, of course!  I miss her already and will continue to do so.  May all of you - her family and friends be comforted and receive the joy of the Lord her life  represented through the many memories of this beautiful and special lady - INA...

Mrs. Ina Foster it was a pleasure to have known you.  Reflecting back on the year 2003 when I met you at  The Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant for lunch.  You had such a pleasant attitude towards me which made me feel welcome and comfortable.

Your words of encouragement  to me as stranger moving from New York and  living in Texas were very fullfiling.  Mrs. Ina Foster you will be deeply missed by the many far and near.  You were such a great influential person to the Caribbean Community within the Houston  area.

You've run your race and finished to the end. Enjoy your everlasting rest and have much fun with the heavenly angels.

 

To the family & friends of Miss Ina Foster I want to express my sincere condolences. Miss Ina was a great supporter of  Caribbean Heartbeat & we appreciate her for believing in us. Sorry for your loss. 
Jennifer Jones

God of Love & Mercy, embrace  all those  whose heart’s today overflow with grief , unanswered questions and such a sense of loss . Grant Paula , Cheryl & family their space to express . 

It is quite daunting to  know that I would not see her b


I remember Ina and always will for her generosity and caring spirit.  As the Shepherd Leaders for our Bible Study Group we have been treated in her home with her delicious style of cooking.  When I was recovering from a heart attack she brought wonderful food to my family.  She was just beautiful in and all.  I pray her family is surrounded by all the wonderful loving memories they had with her.  May the Lord comfort each of you for your loss.

To Paula , Cheryl & family : May the love of family & friends comfort  you during these difficult days. My most heartfelt condolences  Words  cannot express how sad I am to hear the passing of my dear friend Ms Ina .   I remembered like it was yesterday , I was in college at the time n I heard about The Only Jamaican Resturant .. Caribbean Cuisine. I met Ms Ina and she was beautiful w an infectious laugh . Her Resturant became my second home . She encouraged me in my studies n was happy when I completed my doctoral degree . Her daughters were just as warm and inviting .  Fast forward  to 10 years later we  ran in similar circles with the Jamaica foundation  n the 2nd Baptist Church which we are members n sing in the choir .  I took a cooking class which she taught . She was patient and kind to all her students . She was an author n  long to publish another book. She told me that she could feel God’s closeness during the writing of her book . She longed for that encounter for the  2nd Book  when  we Meet up during events she would update me with her life journey : retirement ; move to new home ; serving s senior ministry ; celebrating her birthday . Ms Ina cares about her daughters , family , her friends n the community at large . She was a great dancer n a fabulous dresser . Let the memories of Ms  Ina provide you all with comfort and serve as guidance . Rest In Peace our dear beloved friend .  Walk good !!!  You are our Jamaican Icon; ; Great Ambassador .. represent our culture well . 

The first Caribbean restaurant I went to in Houston was The Caribbean Cuisine and was vey glad that the Caribbean culture was here.,...On behalf of the Barbadian  community here in Houston I want to send my condolences to the Foster family and friends 

My father brought me to Mrs. Foster’s restaurant when I was 13 to ask for a Summer job.  Six years later after graduating high school, I found myself in front of a Navy Recruiter. When the Recruiter asked me what occupation I was seeking, I told him I wanted to own a restaurant like Mrs. Foster’s. I joined the Navy as a Mess Cook, but the work ethic, life skills, and initiative Mrs. Foster instilled in me at her restaurant allowed me to fly through the ranks. In October 2007, Mr. and Mrs. Foster were the honored and guest speaker at my Commissioning Ceremony as a Navy Supply Corps Officer onboard the USS MISSOURI at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Man! She left the ship rocking with her inspiring speech. I love her like my mother and I owe everything that I am to her.  My family and I are forever grateful and you will forever live in our hearts.  Rest in Heaven with Mr. Foster until we meet again.


Cheryl & Paula,
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Please accept our condolences and may memories of your mother give you comfort. We will never forget her kindness. She gave the Houston community nourishment through Jamaican food and culture. Our girls even had the wonderful experience of learning to cook Jamaican curry chicken with your mother just last year. May God give her eternal rest and you all and the rest of the family the strength to bear the pain. She must be chatting with Mummy now in Heaven (smile).
She is your angel now,
William & Nicole

The heart is never ready, the time is never right to say good-bye.
We are thinking of your entire family, thank you for allowing Ms. Ina to share her love with others. It truly made a difference.
Hoping that each tomorrow will bring you comfort and peace knowing that you all will meet up again!
Love and remembrance,
Scherleen Williams
Verna Gordon
Khalfani O. Fullerton I

It was a pleasure growing up and having Auntie Ina as a pillar in the Jamaican community. She impacted so many generations by sewing seeds of kindness. As first generation Jamaican Americans, she helped teach us about our heritage and culture, through good food and serving the community.   

Auntie Ina was beautiful inside and out and we will miss her dearly. 


. 

My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Ina’s family.   SAD is insufficient to convey what I know we are feeling, but we do know that She is singing with the Angels.   Mrs. Ina was a walking “Master Class” for Kindness, Gentleness, and Grace.  She exuded  CLASS and LOVE!
¡RIP—Descansa en Paz mi Querida Ina.!


Paula, Cheryl and family...I don't know what to say. If I did, I wouldn't know how to say it. Just know that she is very much loved and admired by the community. She will be missed.

Andre "DJ Andre"  Holder

Paula & Cheryl, please accept our condolences on the passing of your mother. 
Mums lived her life with purpose, service and gusto that went beyond her restaurant. She is an example for us all to follow. 
Though we have moved away since 1998 and have lost touch, hearing of her passing has brought back warm memories of a brave and peaceful soul. She will be dearly missed. May her soul rest in peace.
Everett McNish & Jo-Ann Barnett-McNish

Rest in Heaven Ms. Ina you have been a staple in the community for over 30years...

My fondest memories is when I moved to Texas in 1984 and Ms. Ina had the only Jamaican restaurant around town. This was the highlight of me and my family going to eat here. It was like bringing Jamaica to Texas! We will truly miss you Ms. Ina...your good deeds and all you offered to your community will live on!

I always admire her work ethics, Jamaica representation and family engagement. When I went to the restaurant she  was always around and a family member is always there supporting the business.

My condolence to her family and friends and may her light continues to shine and inspire.

From I was old enough to grow teeth, I have only eaten Miss Ina's Coco bread. I'm 37 years old now so that means I only ate Miss Ina's Coco bread for over 30 years. When she retired and we found out the restaurant would no longer belong to the Foster family, we were truly sad but we still keep the memories, in our hearts. Miss Ina had a heart of gold and it reflected in the entire family. The Houston Caribbean Community will be forever in debt to the Foster family and we love you all!-love always Burnett, Jean and Jolene Case.

Paula & Cheryl—
I want to extend my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved mother.  Mrs. Foster was a remarkable women, a gentle soul, a Jamaican icon, and fierce lover of life and those she cherished.  I hate to share that I know what you’re going through.  Just know that God’s divine grace and love will allow you to shoulder the grief and bask in all those glorious memories of her.  God speed.
Nadine & Family

To Paula, Cheryl and Family,

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies and condolences to you all on hearing of the loss of your mom, Ina. 

My family and I met your mom, dad and family approximately 38 years ago and became friends of the family through her renowned restaurant Island Cruisine, of which she was the trailblazer and pioneer both in the Jamaican and Caribbean communities. Not only was she known for her cuisines, but also for her involvement as a member of the Jamaica Foundation Association.  Ina’s loss and presence will be greatly missed and felt. She was greatly loved. 

 It is truly a sad time for all, but may you all find comfort at this sad time knowing how loved and appreciated she was to the community.  May you also find comfort knowing that our loving Heavenly Father promises there’ll be a time when we will be able to see our dead loved ones again by means of a resurrection.  He will call and the dead will answer. His promises are faithful and true.   

May the fond memories you have also shared also bring laughter and joy to your hearts and soothe your sadness during the difficult days to come. 

With our sincere sympathies and love,  

 Fay Sexton & Family

Dear Paula, Cheryl and Family,
We are saddened to learn about the passing of Ina.  The last time we saw Dennis and Ina, was a few years ago, in Toronto, when they came to see Aunt Sybil.  They both looked so good! Ina was as beautiful as always, both outer, as well as inner beauty.  It was hard to stay in touch when they lived so far away.  Unfortunately, everyone got busy with their lives and good intentions kept us from staying in touch.

Please accept our deepest condolences and love, 

 from Aunt Greta Hart and Family (Erica Gordon, Joan Wand, and Basil Hart)


My husband burst through the front door " Guess what? I found a Jamaican restaurant.  Hurry and get dressed let us go" .  This is how I met Ms Ina . We had just moved to Houston from Trinidad and were looking for home cooking.  Ms Ina, Paula and Cheryl became like family.  Caribbean Cuisine catered my daughters wedding and brought that Caribbean flair to the buffet with the Jamaican plaid and the patties.  There will never be another patty like Ms Ina's patty.  When I was laid up from surgery Ms Ina sent wholesome food to nurse me back to health.  When my ex husband died she came out of her sick bed to cater the lunch.  But apart from the catering her spirit was there to bolster us when we were low and we went on many happy excursions together.
  She was there for every occasion we celebrated. We are here to support the family as she celebrates her entry into heaven where she is sitting at the feet of the Most High and is near to Dennis and Daphne and so many others who went before her.

I am truly going to miss you Ms Ina.
I met you back in 1981 when I first came to Houston.
Paula you and your sister have my deepest condolences .
But just know your mom is at peace. She is with her saviour.
And your dad is also glad to welcome her home e.

My deepest condolences to the Foster family for their loss of Ina. 
She & her family has been pioneers of the West Indian, Caribbean culture in the Houston Texas area and then to the surrounding cities. Her services to the community will be sadly missed. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Dallas. Texas.

When I relocated to Houston 20 years ago and joined the choir at Second Baptist Church, Ms. Ina was one of the first person to make me feel welcome. Throughout the years are friendship grew. She was a lady of  style, grace, elegant and always had a radiance smile for everyone. I will miss seeing your beautiful smile on Sunday mornings in the choir. To the family my pray is this "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" Revelation 21:4

I didn't know Ina as intimately or for as long as many did but she always secretly inspired me. As a "younger" lady, I always said, " damn I wanna look like Ina at her age".  Her hair was always perfectly done and I have never not seen her immaculately put together. "Ina, you look like you should be mingling with the rich and famous" was something I would say to her often when we spoke.
 Her zest for her dancing and her cooking was such an inspiration and I will never forget our last lengthy talk about her starting a youtube cooking channel and creating a cookbook. My last memory of Ina was her cooking me liver and green banana right before I was returning home from a brief trip to Houston. I was telling her how much I loved it and how it wasn't something that I could get easily in Toronto. I said "Come Ina, teach me how to make this liver and green banana so that I can cook it whenever I want it" and that she did in detail. The very next day, the day before I was returning home to Toronto, she visited and lo and behold what did I get? Liver and green banana courtesy of Chef BoyarIna. It was so thoughtful and I have never forgotten it. From the outside looking in, Ina seemed to really be embracing her senior years and I hold on to that as comfort  when  sadness  about her passing enters my mind. She was such a good friend to my step mom Bev and dad Serrano for which i will be eternally grateful and it was truly an honor to meet her and interact during our family gatherings. Sleep in Peace sweet Ina. You've left a hole in many hearts but I know you also filled many a hole. You will never be forgotten.

Mrs Ina Foster along with her husband was a trailer blazer in Houston as the owner and  operator of Caribbean Cuisine and influential member of the Houston Caribbean Community.  She  was a major contributor to our community.  

She will be sorely missed.  May she Rest In Peace.  

The Facey Family in New Jersey send our sincere condolences to the Foster family. We are saddened to hear of the passing of Miss Ina. Ina was a pillar in the community and no matter what she always greeted you with a bright smile. As a little girl, I recall the special treat of getting a patty and Kola champagne from Caribbean Cuisine—it was often the highlight of our trip from Katy to Houston. As a teen, I fondly I remember trekking over from the high school to grab my after school snack, whether it was a patty with cocoa bread, tamarind balls, a slice of bread pudding or bun and cheese—-I was always greeted by a familiar face and a bright smile. Ina helped bring the Caribbean and Jamaican culture to the Houston area and exposed
a bunch of High School students to our Jamaican culture. Even today, more than 20 years after high school graduation,
many classmates speak fondly of Caribbean Cuisine during reunions and conversations. 

Ina will be sorely missed but I hope that the family finds comfort in knowing that she has left an indelible mark on the Houston community and people. We are sending you all love, light and strength during this time. 

Love, 

The New Jersey Faceys 
(Damian, Toiya, Kenedi, Brice, Eden and Bennett) 

OBITUARY

Ina C Foster

November 20, 1936 – December 31, 2019

Earthman Southwest Funeral Home

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