M. Nell Ivey

M. Nell Ivey died in her home on September 11, 2023. She was born on November 28, 1928, in Cochran, Georgia, to the late Will (7/17/54) and Ida Lanfair Fair (10/8/1967). She was preceded in death by her late husband Dr. C. Ray Ivey, Jr (12/11/1992); brothers Willie, James, and Melvin. She is survived by her son, Kenny Thompson (Wanda) of Cochran, Georgia; and daughter Laurie Ivey (Maria) of Denver, Colorado; three grandchildren, Hunter Thompson (Jersey City, New Jersey), Jackson and Nathaniel Lasaga-Ivey (Denver, Colorado); nieces Gay Runion (Dennis) of Kennesaw, Georgia, and Jayne Giroux (Jim) of Sarasota, Florida; nephew, Tony Fair of Statesboro, Georgia; additional family Elizabeth Stephen Samojedny (Scott), of Pensacola, Florida, Dylan and Lindsay Samojedny, Robert J. “Hank” and Barbara Winner, Warner Robins, GA. 

Nell graduated from Cochran High School and attended Wesleyan Conservatory of Music, majoring in Piano. She taught piano in the Cochran area school system and privately for many years. After marrying Ray in 1963, she moved to Warner Robins where she assisted in managing his practice. She was an active member in the garden club, a proficient oil and watercolor artist, and spent many years studying Ikebana, achieving several teaching certificates. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and enjoyed serving on the worship committee for many years. 

Nell treasured her grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and church gang. Many meals were eaten, laughs were exchanged, and adventures had. Her love of nature can be seen in her art, in the many rocks and shells she brought home from her trips, and in her recent hobby of bird watching. 

We are ever grateful to her caregivers, Doris Sanders, Ruth DeLong, and Leslie Mathis, without whom we could not have carried out mom’s wishes to remain at home. These women took impeccable care of our mom and loved her like she was family. We are additionally grateful for her care team from Heart of Georgia Hospice (Allison, Gloria, Brenda, Amy, and Dr. Shekarappa) who kept her comfortable and dignified. 

Visitation will be at Sardis-Heard (6125 Houston Rd, Macon) Friday, September 15th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and the service will be held at First United Methodist Church (205 N. Davis Drive, Warner Robins) on Saturday, September 16th, 2 PM. A private burial will be held at Macon Memorial Park.   

Flowers are accepted and donations can be made to Heart of Georgia Hospice (www.heartofgahospice.org/donate) and First United Methodist Church of Warner Robins 205 N. Davis Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia, 31088; or www.welcometofirst.org in honor of Mrs. Nell Ivey.

Please visit www.sardisheardfunerals.com to express your condolences. 

Sardis-Heard Funeral Home, 6125 Houston Road, Macon, Georgia, 31216 has charge of the arrangements. 

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