Ifraj Sarah Hanna Ingram

Ifraj Sarah-Hanna Ingram was born on January 21, 1980, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Donald and Joan Ingram. Her name was chosen in honor of her maternal grandfather, Otis Haggerty, who passed away just days before her birth. The name Ifraj means “joy after sadness” or “blessing after chaos,” a fitting reflection of the light and strength she brought into the lives of those around her. Ifraj attended Grand Rapids Public Schools throughout her educational journey, graduating from Ottawa Hills High School and later earning her associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College. She took great pride in being an educated Black woman and was deeply committed to learning, growth, and self discovery. She found joy in gardening, cooking, singing, and caring for animals. Among her greatest companions were her beloved dogs, Choppers, Smokey, Gotti, Capone, and Friday. Soft-spoken and kindhearted, Ifraj possessed a calming spirit that could soothe even the roughest seas with her warmth and gentle demeanor. Yet beneath that quiet nature was a fierce protector who would become a thunderstorm when it came to defending the people she loved. Ifraj knew who she was and where she came from. Her strong sense of identity inspired her to continually explore her ancestry, culture, history, and heritage as a Black woman. She carried a militant spirit and unwavering strength that had been passed down through generations before her. Truly, she was a one-of a-kind soul. At the age of 10, in 1990, Ifraj accepted Christ into her life and heart at True Light Baptist Church under the leadership of her uncle and pastor, H.C. Patterson. In her later years, she met and built a relationship with a special friend. Through their union, her greatest blessing and the center of her world was born—her only child, Isis Gabriella Karzeina Bulten. Ifraj leaves behind her beloved daughter, Isis, to cherish her memory and find comfort in the endless love she so freely gave. She is also survived by her parents, Donald and Joan Ingram; her sisters, Nia (Floyd) Morris and Kisha Haggerty; her niece, Breyonna (Great niece Nina) Essex, whom she affectionately called her personality twin; her nephew, Jordan (Kanisha) Morris who loved her with all he had; and her best friend, Marketta Hassen, who loved her as a sister. She also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, who fought for her till the end and her great-aunt, Loretta Williams, who helped guide her through life. She was preceded in death by her beloved nephew, Cortez McConner Jr.; her grandparents, Sarah and Otis Haggerty and Lunceford and Mattie Ingram; her cousin, Ayesha Majeed; as well as one aunt, six uncles, and three cherished dogs whom she adored until the very end. In the end, Ifraj Ingram remained a selfless person who gave herself to help others. Ifraj donated organs that save the lives of 4 people showing how kind, caring and thoughtful she was. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit remains a guiding light. We take comfort in knowing that she has joined the ancestors and rests in eternal peace. Her legacy of love, strength, wisdom, faith, and Black excellence will continue to inspire generations to come. Forever, loved. Forever remembered. Forever honored.

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