Thelma Ivey of Leesburg entered her eternal rest with Jesus on Wednesday, May 17, with beloved family members by her side. Thelma, known to family as “Mimi” was born on April 4, 1931 in Umatilla, FL.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lovey McCraney, father, Crawford McCraney, beloved former husband of 19 years, Howard Kilgore, and siblings.
Survivors include her loving husband of 38 years, James Ivey, children, Patsy (Bill) Casey of Mt. Dora, Jerry (Cheryl) Kilgore of Grand Island, Sharon (Tim) Morris of Leesburg, and Lisa (Tim) Hayes of Gaylesville, AL. Grandchildren include Josh Childers, David Childers, Ryan Kilgore, Keri (Todd) English, James Lawrence, Tyler Morris, Lashlee (Roderck) Lacerna, Alise Morris, Michaela Morris, and Rachel (Gage) VanHoose. She leaves behind 8 great grandchildren.
Mimi loved sitting on the back porch, cooking, gardening, fishing, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thelma was a long-term resident of Lake County. In her early years she and Howard loved to spend time camping in the woods with family and friends. She worked at the phone company for 7 years before taking time off after the passing of her first husband, spending her days raising her 4 children. She then returned to the phone company for the next 15 years and retired in 1988. Thelma met James and they married in 1985. During retirement she and James enjoyed trips with friends to Biloxi, Maine, and the mountains. Thelma was the matriarch of the family. Both Mimi and Pop were influential in raising all of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home in Tavares, FL at 11 AM on May 23. Visitation begins at 10 AM. Burial will take place at Lakeside Memory Gardens following the service.
