Services
Mr. Vernon Ivory, funeral Services will be held on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at United M.B. Church 18085 Old Hwy 80, Edwards, MS at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p. m. at Willis and Sons Funeral Home 5235 Robinson Rd Ext., Jackson MS. Interment: Green Hill Cemetery, Edwards, MS.
Obituary
Death sends no summons, but rise unseen on the breeze. It comes without reckless footsteps to all. Thus is came on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 to Deacon Vernon James Ivory. On Saturday, December 16, 1950, Vernon James Ivory became the fifth born of eight children of Ethel (Pocket) and Irene Ivory in Edwards, Mississippi.
Vernon was baptized at Friendship M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend C.L. West. He attended Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, and was a Junior Deacon. He was educated at Edwards Junior High School. Vernon graduated from Hinds Country A.H.S., Utica, Mississippi at the age of 16. He furthered his education st Tougaloo College in 1971 and received his bachelor degree. Vernon was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
While working at John Deere as a Computer Analyst in Dubuque, Iowa, Vernon met the love of his life Sadie Elliot. On December 22, 1974 the two were united in holy matrimony and shared thirty years of companionship.
Vernon migrated to Molen, Illinois in 1978 and furthered his education at the University of Iowa where he received his Masters of Art Degree in 1988. In 1989, he migrated to Smyrna, Georgia with IBM as a Computer Analyst. In 1999, he went to work for Sapiens as Vice-President of the company and retired in 2007.
In Smyrna, Georgia, Vernon because a member of the Mt. Zion First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Hurst where he was ordained a deacon.
Vernon chose to spread an array of sunshine into the lives of disadvantaged youth by mentoring and coaching basketball. This is what Vernon loved and was most proud of. Working relentlessly to help the plight of the youth was the driving force behind Vernon Ivory. He knew that he could help them to believe that things would get better. Vernon was a philanthropist, teacher, father figure to many, a lover of basketball and tennis. He traveled and enjoyed life the way he wanted.
To rejoice in the life of Vernon James Ivory, we need only to list a few of the accolades he received and know that they reflect the many people "MR.IVORY" helped experience a better life.
Departing this life on Tuesday, October 9,2018, Vernon James Ivory has left many lives with a void; but yet, we may rejoice in knowing that he is now with God and will forever continue to be a part of our lives through our thoughts and deeds. His living family includes his brother John (India) Ivory, his sisters Albertine Conner and Victoria Taylor; nieces, Felicia Casey and Tina Taylor (who were extra special in his heart) Letitia A. Wallace, Dr. Tammi Taylor, Dr. Tracey Taylor Gregory and Shelia Williams; nephews George Ivory Jr., Earnest Ivory Griffin, Mayor Marcus L. Wallace, Emmitt Taylor II, Erwin Taylor and Johnnie McPhearson who were truly blessed to have known their uncle Vernon; a host of great nieces and nephews; uncle Thomas Jefferson; numerous cousins especially Oscar (Linda) Laws and a host special friends including Norman Weeden, childhood best friend and Sergio Gonzalez one of his mentee.
Although he is no longer with us in body, his spirit will remain close to all who loved and held him dear. Vernon passing our way touched our lives. "Don't worry about me, he would say, I am alright. Remember you must let go and let God".
Vernon was baptized at Friendship M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend C.L. West. He attended Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, and was a Junior Deacon. He was educated at Edwards Junior High School. Vernon graduated from Hinds Country A.H.S., Utica, Mississippi at the age of 16. He furthered his education st Tougaloo College in 1971 and received his bachelor degree. Vernon was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
While working at John Deere as a Computer Analyst in Dubuque, Iowa, Vernon met the love of his life Sadie Elliot. On December 22, 1974 the two were united in holy matrimony and shared thirty years of companionship.
Vernon migrated to Molen, Illinois in 1978 and furthered his education at the University of Iowa where he received his Masters of Art Degree in 1988. In 1989, he migrated to Smyrna, Georgia with IBM as a Computer Analyst. In 1999, he went to work for Sapiens as Vice-President of the company and retired in 2007.
In Smyrna, Georgia, Vernon because a member of the Mt. Zion First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Hurst where he was ordained a deacon.
Vernon chose to spread an array of sunshine into the lives of disadvantaged youth by mentoring and coaching basketball. This is what Vernon loved and was most proud of. Working relentlessly to help the plight of the youth was the driving force behind Vernon Ivory. He knew that he could help them to believe that things would get better. Vernon was a philanthropist, teacher, father figure to many, a lover of basketball and tennis. He traveled and enjoyed life the way he wanted.
To rejoice in the life of Vernon James Ivory, we need only to list a few of the accolades he received and know that they reflect the many people "MR.IVORY" helped experience a better life.
- 2011 Distinguished Gentlemen Award
- Georgia Commission Para Professional Certificate
- 2012 GEM Award for Going the Extra Mile
- 2016 Visionary Award
- 2017 It Takes a Village Award
Departing this life on Tuesday, October 9,2018, Vernon James Ivory has left many lives with a void; but yet, we may rejoice in knowing that he is now with God and will forever continue to be a part of our lives through our thoughts and deeds. His living family includes his brother John (India) Ivory, his sisters Albertine Conner and Victoria Taylor; nieces, Felicia Casey and Tina Taylor (who were extra special in his heart) Letitia A. Wallace, Dr. Tammi Taylor, Dr. Tracey Taylor Gregory and Shelia Williams; nephews George Ivory Jr., Earnest Ivory Griffin, Mayor Marcus L. Wallace, Emmitt Taylor II, Erwin Taylor and Johnnie McPhearson who were truly blessed to have known their uncle Vernon; a host of great nieces and nephews; uncle Thomas Jefferson; numerous cousins especially Oscar (Linda) Laws and a host special friends including Norman Weeden, childhood best friend and Sergio Gonzalez one of his mentee.
Although he is no longer with us in body, his spirit will remain close to all who loved and held him dear. Vernon passing our way touched our lives. "Don't worry about me, he would say, I am alright. Remember you must let go and let God".
