Ioana Battiste

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Ioana Battiste also known as Claire on Monday, May 27, 2024. Ioana was born to Una and Winston Barker on September 19, 1953, in Kingston, Jamaica. In her adolescent years, Ioana was a vibrant youth with aspirations to help others. Faith, Family, and Community were the top 3 priorities in her life. At the age of 12, Ioana accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She attended Rodney Road Church of God as a youth. The lessons learned from church molded Ioana into a well-rounded individual at a young age. Her ambition, vision, and responsible manner was well ahead of her years. In terms of extracurricular activities, Ioana enjoyed everything ranging from school, singing, sewing, arts & craft, track & field, and praise and worship. Ioana attended Saint Andrew Primary School and Trenchtown Comprehensive High School. Ioana excelled academically, demonstrating a natural talent for aiding and nurturing those facing difficulties. Ioana's first love was in education, she became a teacher shortly after college. Her passion for education ignited a deep commitment to empowering the youth within her community. Ultimately, she taught at Operation Friendship and Trafalgar Preparatory School. She was a school coordinator for sports day events for track and field, debate, swimming, dance, and soccer. After moving to the United States in the early 90’s, she switched career paths to become a CNA. To show her dedication to the field of Nursing, Ioana dedicated 20 years of her life to serve patients at The Mann House Assisted Living Facility. Ioana was trained and certified in CPR, medication administration, and she also ran a Georgia state approved Personal Care Home. Her nurturing spirit, devotion to helping others, and knack of providing the highest level of care to patients led to her being recognized by her peers. Extended beyond her professional life, as she embraced a culture of caring in her personal relationships as well. Ioana was a devoted daughter, mother, a loving sibling, and a loyal friend, always ready to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand whenever someone needed it. Ioana Battiste, whose vibrant spirit was a beacon of strength, tenacity, and faith to all who knew her. Ioana was not just a person but a force of nature, deeply rooted in spirituality and gifted with compassion and the voice of an angel. Her baptism in Jerusalem marked a pivotal moment in her journey, igniting a profound connection to her faith. Ioana's loyalty was unmatched, a constant source of motivation and inspiration to those around her, Ioana’s courage and infectious humor lighting up even the darkest of days., She brought joy and warmth to every gathering, effortlessly navigating life's twists and turns with grace and resilience. Family meant everything to Ioana, and her unwavering support and encouragement touched the lives of all who crossed her path. With a heart as vast as her dreams, Ioana was a fearless advocate for her beliefs, leaving behind a legacy of love, faithfulness, charity, and visionary leadership that will forever endure in the hearts of those she touched. Ioana is a lover of mangoes and a renowned rum punch maker . In addition to her late husband, Clarence Battiste, Ioana was predeceased by her sisters, Deloris Lindo, Josephine Barker and her daughter- Marlene Walters. Ioana is survived by her parents: Una and Winston Barker; her sisters Paulette Barker, Marie Barker; her brothers, Lenard Barker, Robert Barker, George Barker, and Carl Campbell; her children: Nicola Battiste-Harry, Natasha Shirley, Clarence Battiste, Suelan Battiste, Clinton Battiste; her stepchildren: Carlene Battiste-Downie, Simone Battiste, Charles Battiste; her close friends, Kiziah Dixon, Charles Panton, Marjorie Brown, and Fassnet Watson. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

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Ioana Battiste

November 6, 1953 - May 27, 2024