Mark Ivey

LAKELAND -- Dr. Mark Ivey III, a retired doctor of obstetrics and gynecology in Lakeland, died of complications of an infection Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at IHS of Lakeland Oakbridge. He was 67. Dr. Ivey, who was born in Ocala, graduated from Howard Academy in 1952 and the School of Pharmacy at Florida A & M University in 1958. After working as a pharmacist, he decided to return to school to become a doctor. He graduated from the school of medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., and after completing his residency at Akron Regional Medical Center in Akron, Ohio, in 1978, he returned to Lakeland to open his private practice. Dr. Ivey retired in 1999. Dr. Ivey served on many boards and helped numerous groups, including the Boys Club of Lakeland, Tiny Tots, United Negro College Fund, Florida A & M University Alumni Association, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, and the Polk County Medical Association. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where he was an usher. "He was a wonderful father and wonderful husband," said his wife of 441U2 years, Evelyn Jacqueline Ivey. "He was easy to love." Dr. Ivey played the saxophone and enjoyed listening to his favorite jazz music. "His favorite musician was Eddy `Lockjaw' Davis," Mrs. Ivey said. "He collected a lot of his music." In addition to his wife, Dr. Ivey is survived by his sons, Mark Ivey IV and Marlon Raynard Ivey, both of Lakeland, Michael Luvardis Ivey, Atlanta; mother, Mazie Maxey Ivey, Ocala; brothers, Clarence Edward Ivey and Nathaniel Ivey; and three grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 this evening at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 210 Poppel Drive, Lakeland. Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. There will also be a service at Calvary Baptist Church in Santos on Saturday. H.W. Oldham Funeral Home, Lakeland.