Jerry Louis Ivey

Jerry Louis Ivey, beloved member of several communities during the course of his life, passed away on February 14, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee, at the age of 84. He was born on January 22, 1940, in Jefferson County, Mississippi, to the late Duncan and Mattye Ivey. 

Jerry was a graduate of Fayette High School and attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He began his career in the automobile business at Jordan Auto Co. in Natchez, Mississippi, then moved with his young family in 1966 to Cleveland, Mississippi, where he spent nearly 40 years at Kossman’s, Inc. His commitment and hard work enabled him to spend the last two decades there serving as General Manager. He was a “people person,” and his zest for life was contagious. His warm smile and kind heart left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him. 

While it is evident that Jerry was successful in his career, his most meaningful accomplishments centered on his family. He cherished every moment spent with loved ones and took great pride in being a devoted family man. Jerry showered his family with love, care, and support throughout their lives. 

Outside his work and family life, Jerry was always active in local churches, each of which became integral in his life. After retirement in 2005, he and his wife Rose Ann moved to Booneville, Mississippi, then in 2015 to Jackson, Tennessee. In Booneville, he was an active member of First Baptist Church. In Jackson, he has been an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, serving as president of the Faith Sunday School Class. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends. 

In addition to spiritual and church pursuits, he loved travel with his family, photography, gardening, and all sports. During his years in Cleveland, he was an active supporter, and often coach, of youth athletic teams and supporter of high school athletic programs. He was also an avid supporter and follower of Delta State University athletic teams and a valued member of the Cleveland Noon Lions Club. Relationships formed through these areas of engagement resulted in many valued lifelong friendships. 

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Rose Ann (Dent) Ivey; children, Kevin Ivey (Kerri), and Kim Askins (Jeff); grandchildren, William Ivey (Nicole), Clay Ivey (Blake), Mary Frances Ivey, Page Askins, Cate Askins, and Kelli Blackwell. The newest addition is his first great grandchild, Jackson Davis Ivey. 

Aside from his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, LaNelle James Edwards. 

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Arrington Funeral Directors in Jackson, Tennessee, on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The family will receive friends for visitation at 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Gary Snuffin and Dr. Bill Hurt will officiate. In lieu of flowers, Jerry’s family asks that donations in his memory be made to charities of one’s choosing. 

Jerry’s legacy lives on through the memories he created with loved ones and the positive impact he made in his communities. He will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.