Beverly Jean Ivy

Beverly Jean Rowland Ivy realized her life’s dream when she met her Savior on the morning of December 22, 2017. Most people who came in contact with her knew within minutes she loved God deeply and her family fiercely. She was a kind, joyful, accommodating individual who genuinely enjoyed people and loved telling stories about her children, grandchildren, and her unwavering faith. Even when cancer significantly occupied her body, if you asked how she was doing, she would cheerfully tell you “I’m blessed and highly favored of the Lord!” Beverly was preceded in death by parents Wanda Lea White and Ira Melton Rowland. Little brothers James (“Jimmy”) Rowland and Paul Martin Rowland were highlights of her life, and she cherished the memories of the time she had with each of them. Although baby brother David Rowland never took a breath on this earth, he was never forgotten. We have comfort in knowing she was welcomed in heaven with a great celebration of her homecoming. Beverly grew up in Southeast Dallas and attended W.W. Samuel High School. She was big sister to Donna Smith (husband Edward), Linda Gaston (late husband Don), and Rosemary Mach (husband Bill), who also attended Samuel High School. The four sisters have always had a mutual admiration and a bond that sometimes defies logic. Beverly took pride in telling people when she and her sisters got together, they would finish each other’s stories, especially when one was too tickled to speak. Even in difficult times, the sisters have displayed a solidarity, strength, and joy from which their families have greatly benefitted. Her loyalty and love for her sisters shone in the pride she had in her many nieces and nephews. Beverly had four children, Elizabeth Story Johnson (husband Johnny), Rick Story (wife Kim), Jennifer Story Foley (husband John), and Dawn Maddux White (husband Mark). Although they often joke about which one is “Mom’s favorite,” each one knows she loved them unconditionally, with a love that was not limited or divided by the number of children she had. Our lives were greatly enriched in 1983 when she met and married the love of her life, Paul Ivy, and her heart made room for more children: Sonya “Sam” Ivy Barganier, (Husband Nat), Tonya “Toni” Ivy Ortega, and Lee Ivy (wife Keesha). Of course, there was no shortage of love, and she would have much to give all of her grandchildren: Jason Story, Jillian Johnson Owens (husband Josh), Bryce Story (fiance Meagan), Trey Laughlin, Lauren Story, Drew Laughlin, Hudson Foley, Abigail Ivy, Elizabeth Ivy, the late Sydney Barganier (mother of William), Courtney Ortega, Payton Barganier, and Zachary Ortega (father of Ella). She prayed for each one by name every day, and the infinite love she had for her offspring is evidenced in the love we have for each other. As sweet and passive as she was, with Paul’s limitless support and assistance, Beverly aggressively fought cancer for most of the last seven years of her life. She fought the good fight, seldom complained, and wore what seemed to be an effortless smile. If we could ask her how she would most want to be remembered, she would likely say: a woman of God, prayer warrior, and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. If you have a desire to send flowers in support of the family, we would feel extremely blessed and grateful if you would instead consider making a tax-deductible donation to 29 Acres, a 501c3 charitable foundation founded to build a sustainable community where adults with autism can safely live and work. (The family will be given a list of donations.) https://29acres.org/donate/