On a beautiful Wednesday January 27th 1926 a blessingin the form of a baby girl was born in the Northern Settlement of Long Islandknown as O’Neils and commonly referred to as “Scrub Hill”. This beautiful girl,who later was named Inez Evelyn, became the youngest of fourteen siblings, andthe last girl to James and Mary Pratt.
During her childhood years, she attended the All Age School withinSimms Long Island. Being from an industrious and strict upbringing, shedeveloped an interest and passion towards the straw work industry, which leadher to her earliest form of employment at the Ivy Simms Plait shop. Determineto seek out beyond that with which she was exposed, Inez embarked on a journeyto the capital to make a better way of life and seek out more sustainableearnings. This journey involved her holding onto her dear older sister Esther(predeceased) who was already self-employed within the Cable Beach Straw Marketto allow her to join her until she was able to manage on her own, quickly assumingthe responsibility of her own stall.
It was not long that “Nezzy” as she was affectionately known toher friends and fellow vendors, that she had an affectionate smile that seemedto win over the guests and enabled her to do quite well over the many yearswhich she remained in the market. As the story was told, it was this samepleasant demeanor that brought her together with Herman, her late husband,which led to their marriage in 1952 further blessing them with two children inthe like of Pernell and Michael. As a strong and independent woman, Inez wasdefinitely an entrepreneur, as she was able to operate a neighborhoodconvenient store, while taking on seamstress activities while never losingfocus on her craft as a straw vendor. It can be said, that notwithstanding herbusy lifestyle with work to help and support her family, she was always full ofenergy to say a positive word or scripture to anyone who took the time to listen.Inez was recognized as a faithful member of her church and seldom missed a service.
Her commitment to God, with her love for her family and herchurch, have afforded all who knew her a feeling of hope knowing that she is ina better place at rest and making a joyful noise unto the Lord. On SaturdayFebruary 26th 2022 Inez peacefully passed on to Glory. There is nodoubt her memories will provide comfort to those who knew her, but we are allgrateful to have met and lived knowing that her time on earth was meaningful inso many ways – may she be granted eternal rest in peace knowing that her legacyremains.
Inez was precededin death by her spouse: Herman T. Wright; father Joseph "Buddy"Pratt; mother: Mary Pratt nee Stuart. As the eldest and only survivingsibling, Inez was considered the Matriarch of the Pratt's from O'Neils, LongIsland.
Left to cherish her fondmemories are her Children: PernellBrown (daughter) & Michael Wright (son); Son-in-law: Valentino Brown; Daughter-in-law:Tanya Wright; Six Grandchildren:Shannon, Michael JR, Destiny, Mya, Madison & Evan; One Great-grandson: Grayson; Nieces:Geleta (Dr. Eugene Gray), Calvise (Frank Gray), Muriel, Ruthmae (Ednol Mcphee),Sheralyn, Esther, Patricia, Sharon, Nelda, Brenda, Evangelist Yvonne (JosephStipsky), Alice, Elma, Thelma, Mabel; Nephews:Nathaniel (Winifred Knowles), Samuel (Shirley Knowles), Malachi, Reuben (JuneSmith), David, Eddy, Rex (Jen Pratt), Philip, Bruce, Ervin, Freeman (PearlineCartwright); Host of Relatives and Friendsincluding: Loretta Smith (Caretaker), Members of Central Gospel Chapel,Billy & Claudia Knowles, Monica Wilson, Zelma Nottage, Easlie Nicholas,Wellington & Sandra Olander, Clarke Family, Isaacs Family, Sarah, Derek,Linda, Frazier Family, Betty Simms, Sargent Family, Brown Family, Mrs. DorothyCoakley, Erin and Donna Adderley, Gleniston Gardens Community, Brian and EllenServille, Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, St. Augustine’s Class of ’84,Members of Lodge Claudius R. Walker No.1808 S.C., The Lewis Family, The RamseyFamily, The Johnson Family and many more too numerous to mention.
