Faith Innerarity laid to rest, praised for Christian values, work ethics

A giant in her lifetime, the Reverend Dr Faith Innerarity was saluted on the weekend for many of the enormous steps she made in her lifetime.

Innerarity, who passed away on September 27, was honoured for the tremendous service she rendered in both her professional and personal life.

The thanksgivng service held at Olson Hall in St Andrew on Saturday was well attended and had several political figures and high-level civil servants there.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Labour and Social Security Derrick Kellier, and former Minister of Information, Sports, Youth and Culture Olivia Grange were present.

The four-hour long funeral reflected on Innerarity's service to Jamaica in the areas of social security and gender equality, her strong family life, and her dedication to her Christian faith.

Kellier, her former boss, said Innerarity was loved, admired, and respected by the Heroes Circle staff at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, where she was director general before her death.

"Innerarity was instrumental in building the necessary capacities of the ministry to deliver efficient and effective services. She contributed significantly to the development of social policies and programmes, particularly in the field of social protection focusing on issues affecting the rights of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the expansion of coverage for the poor and other vulnerable groups," he said.

A principled woman

Grange, for whom she worked as permanent secretary, also portrayed Innerarity as a principled woman. Grange, who lightly imitated Innerarity's mannerisms as she insisted the then minister follow "protocal", described her as a lady of integrity.

"She was a flawless professional who was totally committed to excellent work ethics, high standards of performance, and the highest level of Christian values. What a mix! You don't find that in many people," she said.

Innerarity's church life was also remembered. Ordained as a minister of religion this year, she served as a member of the Dayton Avenue Church of God in St Andrew.

She was remembered by Jacinth Kelly in her eulogy as a philanthropist who was faithful in ministering to the spiritual and personal lives of members.

Innerarity, who was interred at the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens, is survived by her husband Joseph and son Stephen.