The daughter of the late John E. and Susie Simpson, Mrs. Ivery was born in the community of Marvyn, AL. She was a graduate of South Girard High School, and obtained her Bachelor degree from Albany State College. She received her Master's degree in Education from the Atlanta University. Mrs. Ivery was an educator within the schools of Pittsburgh, PA, Atlanta, GA, and was retired from the Dayton, OH School district.

She was preceded in death by twelve siblings. She was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church in Marvyn, AL.

Surviving her departure with cherished memories, include: her husband of 31 years, T/SGT Retired Alfonsia Ivery; three children, Brava Bartholemew (Ronald), Jacquelyne T. Ivery and E. Romell Ivery (Michelle); eight grandchildren, Rashad, Antoine, Chelsea, Nicole, Alex, Jayson, Ben and Elizabeth; two sisters, Susie Simpson Malone and Louella Simpson Parker; two brothers, Illinois Simpson (Barbara) and Dan Simpson; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.