Jessie K. Ivy

Our beloved grandmother, Jessie Ivy, passed away February 8, 2019. She blessed us with a life of love, laughter and sweet memories.

Ms. Jessie, as she was affectionately called, was born to the late Jim and Josephine Tomlin Russell on November 5, 1913 in Whitehouse. She was born in a home that was located on the same property as her current home. She was the 6th of 9 children. She fondly shared many memories of growing up on the farm. She attended Whitehouse schools and graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1932.

On April 27, 1935 Jessie married Edgar Ivy. They shared 58 years together until his death in 1993. To this union four children were born. Except for short stints in the Walnut Grove community and Tyler, Edgar and Jessie raised their family in Whitehouse. Her children were fortunate to be raised near cousins that lived just over the hill. It's been said neither Jessie nor her sister, Lillian, ever knew exactly which kids would end up at the other's supper table! Sadly, Russell, Wanda, Jerry and Ronnie preceded her in death. She also lost her granddaughter, Dwana Chaney. Losing her husband, all of children and a grandchild left a hole in her heart.

Mam-Maw, as we called her, was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She spent her entire life loving and taking care of others. There was always room at her table for anyone that cared to join. All the grandkids would agree that the first thing one did when visiting her was go straight to the refrigerator and look for leftovers. Her fried chicken and fresh cobblers were a family favorite. Many times she would send us out to pick blackberries for a cobbler and somehow they would be gone by the time we got back to the house. She would laugh and send us back out to pick more. She was kind hearted, generous and a delight to be around. She loved nothing more than a good party or a game of 42 with friends at church. In her younger years she enjoyed sewing, quilting and gardening.

On August 18, 1947 Mam-Maw joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. She worshipped there the rest of her life. She loved her church family and they loved her. Her greatest joy came from serving God and her family. However, she adored her grandchildren and treasured her time with them.

She is survived by Russ Ivy, Nicole & Monty Smith and Kyle Ivy all of Whitehouse, Rhonda & Blake Bowden of Carrollton, Shannon & Bryan O'Neal of Winona, Kevin & Karen Ivy of Troup, Trey & Sandy Thornton of Chapel Hill and Ron & Lisa Ivy of Whitehouse, 19 great grandchildren and 8 great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Rita Smith, Janina Tindall and Sissy Fusco, nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly.

Services are entrusted to Jackson's Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Directors. Visitation will be Sunday, February 10, 2019 from 5-6:30 at the funeral home. We will celebrate her life on Monday, February 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with her dear friend and pastor, Bro. Benny Portwood, officiating.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. NKJV. To view online, please go to www.burkswalkertippit.com.