Mother Gladys "Sweet" Ivory

Mrs. Gladys "Sweet" Ivory, 86, of Peoria, IL transitioned to her heavenly home at 4:44 am on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center surrounded by her family.
Mother Ivory was born on November 8, 1937 in York, AL to Tom and Armetta (Pearson) Sturdivant, Sr. She professed Christ at the age of nine. She married her beloved, the late Pastor Jeffery Ivory, Sr. on August 20, 1953 in Meridian, MS.
Mother Ivory was the First Lady of Grace Baptist Church for over 50 years. She served on the women's ministry. Mother Ivory loved to sing in the Voices of Heaven Choir and was known for her melody arrangement of hymns during devotion on Sunday mornings. She loved wearing very stylish hats, that was one of a kind. Mother Ivory worked at Caterpillar for 34 years. Mother Ivory liked to knit, cook and was a member of several bowling leagues. Mother Ivory loved spending time with her family. She had a loving and compassionate heart. Mother Ivory helped mentor young women with life skills at Valeska Hinton GED program. She was the type of a person that would take in a needy person.
Mother Ivory leaves to cherish her most precious memories, four sons, Ricky (Carolyn) Ivory of York, AL, Larry (Janis) Ivory, Rodney (Jennifer) Ivory and Darren Ivory all of Peoria, IL; four daughters, Lorraine (William) Sephus, Beverly Ivory-Cameron, Teresa (Lonnie) Ivory-Hayes and Ariel Ivory all of Peoria, IL; 21 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Jeffery Ivory, Jr.; daughter, Erica Ivory; two sisters, Dorothy Mae Lard and Annie Ruth Nelson; granddaughter, Glenda Cayson and grandson, Troy Irving, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Grace B. Church, with a visitation one-hour prior beginning at 9 am. Pastor Claude White, Jr. will officiate. Mother Ivory will be laid to rest at Historic Springdale Cemetery.
Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.