Ina Eileen McDougald, 63, of Palatka, (a native of Starke) entered the sunset of life on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at her residence. The daughter of Frank and Estella Kates, she was born on Friday, November 23, 1956. She was educated in the Bradford County School System and graduated from Bradford High School, Class of 1974. Following high school graduation, she attended Santa Fe Junior College in Gainesville, FL and received her Associates degree in 1976. Ina transferred to Florida A & M University in 1976 and worked part-time for the Leon County Sheriff's Office until she completed her Bachelors degree in Physical Education in 1981.

In 1981, Ina relocated to Palatka and began her teaching career at Browning Pearce Elementary, alongside her mother. Ina worked part-time at the ARC of Putnam County for 11 years. She continued her education to become a 4th grade teacher and in 1998, she was selected as Teacher of the Year. She retired in 2016 after 35 years of service.

Ina enjoyed her retirement reading every novel that "peaked" her curiosity, cooking, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She happily worked part-time for Flynn Management as a Site-Manager and in February she received an award for 2019 Property Manager of the Year. She was an active member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Board of Directors and the Adult Usher Ministry. Ina was a member of the FAMU Alumni Association and a past member of Electa Burney Chapter of O.E.S.

She was a "lively", independent, and passionate person who always spoke her truth. She loved her family & friends and helped anyone who asked. Her strong work ethic & positive outlook helped her to achieve her goals and dreams.

In addition to her father, Ina was preceded in eternal rest by her sister Shirley Ford, and her grandparents Ben and Alice McDougald.

Ina leaves to cherish her memories: mother, Estella Kates, Starke; daughter, Elena (Ira) Lyons; 4 grandchildren, Le'shana (Britt) Gordon, Monique, Aaron and Evan Collins; great-granddaughter, Makayla Roxanne, all of Jacksonville; sister, Thawana K. McDougald, Starke; uncle, Ben McDougald, Bronx, NY; nephews, Ahmad (Yasmin) Hudson, Jermaine (Melissa) Ford, Zurny (Jalisa) Ford; special cousin, Wendy McDougald, Lake City; devoted friends, Bernard Lewis, Shirley Britten, Marvis Christian, all of Palatka; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and caring friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines (including required masks) a limited, socially-distanced visitation for family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday July 3, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." A private Celebration of Ina's Life will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 4 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 322 North 10th Street, Palatka, Reverend Herbert Johnson, Jr., Pastor; Reverend Frederick T. Demps, Pastor Emeritus. Interment will be in Oddfellow Cemetery, Starke.