11/13/2025
Edith Gray Ivey
Edith Gray Ivey, 88, of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, in Tri-Cities Hospital, following a long and happy life full of love, laughter, and selfless giving. She was born in 1937 in Lumberton, North Carolina, and until the age of nine, she was raised by her mother, the late Louise Rozier Lewis, and her grandmother, Bonnie Bell Rozier. When her mother married Edith's stepfather, the late Thomas Edward Lewis, she began to learn about farm life and became a wonderful big sister to younger siblings who came along.
In 1956, Edith met and married the love of her life, the late Stinson Ivey, Jr. They were married for nearly 69 years and were separated by death for less than four months. Edith lived most of her life with Stinson in Hopewell, where they raised four children, Sherry, Phillip, Gay, and Eric. Along the way, Edith gave endlessly not just to her family, but to the people and mission of Powers Memorial Baptist Church, where she was a member for nearly 60 years. Many children remember her as their Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, or church nursery leader. In later years, she was a member of the Knit Wits group that made blankets and other items for hospital patients. Edith was a school volunteer when her own children were in elementary school, and when teachers found out about her natural talents, they enlisted her help with instruction.
Edith enjoyed shopping with her daughters (especially trips to Williamsburg!) and joking around with her sons. Good friends she met in church, especially June Jones and Shelby Raynor, were always good for her soul, and she looked forward to their regular "therapy" sessions over lunch at Hardee's.
Edith and Stinson were fortunate to spend so many good years together following his retirement. The days they passed sitting together on the swing or running errands and stopping at convenient stores for a fountain drink and sharing a Kit Kat bar were just as meaningful as the fun adventures they took-to New York, the West Coast, New England, the Midwest, and more. As Stinson recounted through a song he played at their 60th wedding anniversary, "What a wonderful life this has turned out to be."
In addition to her husband, mother, and stepfather, Edith was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Brisson; and a brother, Edward Lewis. She is survived by her children; a grandson, Luther Stinson Ivey; a great-grandson, Killian Ivey; a brother, Danny Ray Lewis; and sisters, Pauline Flowers, Bonnie Taylor, and Carol Maguadog. She will also be missed by a host of nieces and nephews and their families.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the medical professionals at Tri-Cities Hospital, Affinity Hospice & Palliative Care, and especially to Denise Nicholson, RN.
Memorial donations may be made to Powers Memorial Baptist Church, 2807 Jackson Street, Hopewell, Virginia 23860.
Burial will be private.
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