Ivy Joyce Malden

Ivy Joyce Malden was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on June 7, 1952 , to Spurgeon and Jean Elizabeth Parham Malden. During her early years, she was a member of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church (Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church). Ivy was educated at St. Jude Catholic High School, where she was salutatorian of her graduating class. She continued her education at the University of Alabama, graduating in three years.

Ivy's career choice exemplified her kind heart and giving spirit. Primarily, her career was with a number of nonprofit organizations, including The Senior Hub and the Inter-Church ARMS, where she served as Executive Director for 25 years. Ivy also was a writer, who wrote many grants that funded the nonprofits she directed. Her professional endeavors fit perfectly with her desire to help people in need.

Ivy made imprints on the hearts of everyone she met, including her clients, her mother's friends, her neighbors, and others. Compassionate, thoughtful, kind, and generous are all adjectives that describe Ivy. She frequently showed her appreciation to persons who were kind to her by giving them special treats, such as cookies, bookmarks, and candy. Even in her last days she was thinking of acts of kindness for other people.

While doing an act of kindness, Ivy met Reed Becerra who likewise was doing an act of kindness. This meeting led to the two falling in love and marrying. After twenty eight years of marriage, Ivy frequently said to friends that she thanked God daily for Reed.

Ivy passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025. Cherishing her sweet memories are her loving and devoted husband, Reed Becerra; her brother, Michael Malden (Denyse); her nephews, Christopher (Sophia) and Robert (Kristin); her mother-in-law, Mrs. Yvonne Becerra; brothers-In-law, Edward Becerra (Kyle), Mark Becerra (Karyn), and Todd Becerra (Alisa); and sister-in-law, Karla Kohman.

Ivy will be sorely missed by her family and friends who loved her dearly.

It was Ivy's wish that there should be no memorial service. We can reminisce, share and remember Ivy with the fondest of memories. When Ivy told me she didn't what a memorial service, she would joke that everyone could thank her later for not having to dress up on a Saturday and miss football. Roll Tide!

In lieu of flowers you might want to consider a donation to one of Ivy's favorite organizations. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Denver Rescue Mission, Rocky Mountain PBS or the Red Cross.