Celebrating the Life of Sis. Elaine Harriet Ivey

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

On August 7, 2025, heaven opened its gates as God gently called Sis. Elaine Harriet Ivey to her eternal rest. Though her soul is now at peace, those left behind mourn with hearts that feel unbearably heavy. The tears of her family and friends bear witness to the depth of love we hold for her, and the pain of her absence is deeply felt by all who knew her.

Born on May 25, 1954, in Live Oaks, Florida, Elaine was a precious daughter to Martha Jefferson and Horace Williams, both of whom preceded her in death. Raised by her devoted mother, Elaine grew up anchored in faith and surrounded by the strength of family and community.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Savior and became a member of the African Baptist Church. She graduated from Suwannee Senior High School in 1972 before making her way to Miami, Florida. With a steadfast spirit, she served as a nurse’s aide at Purdue Medical Center, where she touched lives with gentle care. It was there that God allowed her path to cross with the love of her life, Michael Wesley Ivey. After a devoted courtship, they were joined in holy matrimony on March 9, 1991, a bond that endured until the day the Lord called her home.

Elaine’s life was one of service and creativity. She worked faithfully with Publix Bakery, where her hands crafted beautiful cakes as a decorator, later rising to the role of Head Decorator in 1994. Even after retirement, she found joy in serving her community once again, becoming a crossing guard in 2024 to protect children on their daily journey to and from school.

Her gift of sewing was another way she poured love into others. Outfits, purses, and handbags made by her hand were more than just fabric and thread—they were stitched with devotion. To her family, she was more than a seamstress; she was the heart that clothed them in love.

Still, her greatest joy was her family. From Sunday brunches to hibachi nights, from holidays to simple evenings of laughter and games, Elaine treasured every gathering. Each smile, each hug, each moment with her loved ones was sacred to her.

Now, her voice is stilled, her laughter silent, but her love lingers like a gentle fragrance.

She leaves to mourn her passing her devoted husband, Michael W. Ivey; her children Donnetta Loper, Tony Williams, Jessica Whitfield (Eric), Sean Ivey (Sapphire), and Jacob Ivey (Kaya); and her stepchildren Tiffany Andrews, Rolando Edwards (Letrail), Tasha Andrews, Michael “Wes” Andrews, and Jessica Andrews.

She is remembered with love by her siblings, Sherion Thompson and aunt Lilly Jefferson, and joins in eternal rest her brother, Horace Williams.

Her memory lives on through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too numerous to count here, yet each one carrying a piece of her heart. Along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all grieve the loss of her presence.

Elaine’s life was a tapestry of faith, love, and service. Though our hearts ache and our tears flow, we hold tightly to God’s promise that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

She is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

Service of Remembrance

• Viewing: Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Second Baptist Church

• Homegoing Service: Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Sanctuary

• Burial: Immediately following at Graceland Memorial Park South (13900 SW 117 Ave.)

• Repast: To be held privately at the family home