The West Side High School Alumni Association and the Family and Friends of the Late Inez Kerr McClendon will host a free memorial concert at the West Side High School Auditorium on Saturday, June 25, at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate her life and legacy.
Inez, a native of Newark, was a legendary soloist and voice and drama teacher for more than four decades and retired from the Newark Public School System in 1999.
She continued her passion for teaching music and drama by working at the Newark School of the Arts until her death on April 15, 2020.
Her long and celebrated career had its humble beginnings on the local Sunday Afternoon Church programs.
She and her sister, Thelma, received their vocal training from their father, Lester Kerr and dramatic tutelage from their mother, Ella Kerr.
Through her training and musical prowess as a soloist and director with Voices INC., she gained national and international recognition.
Inez was educated in the Newark Public Schools. She was a proud alumna of South Side High School.
She obtained her BA and MA degrees in music education and MA in speech and theater all from Montclair State University. Further private studies were done to keep abreast in her field.
She was a renowned personality on and off stage because of her talent and her eclectic style.
Her career positions included: music instructor at Cleveland Elementary School, West Side High School, music and drama instructor for Boys and Girls'Club of America, Choral Director for South Side(Shabazz) High School Alumni Chorus and voice instructor at Essex County College.
Among her performances were numerous radio and television performances and lectures, nationwide and European tours in churches, schools, colleges and concert halls.
Inez McClendon was well-respected by students, parents, co-workers and administrators.
She left a legacy of service, dedication to God and family and a passion for the beauty and power of music and the spoken word.
Left to honor and to perpetuate her legacy are her son, Todd; grandchildren Syr and Takiyah; an aunt, goddaughter Thelma Ramsey-Bryant, niece, nephews, cousins and friends.