ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of Ivory McCuen, 30 years old, born on March 13, 1990, and passed away on January 24, 2021. We support all who loved Ivory and will always remember her.
This site was created by me, David W. Oaks, with the permission of Ivory's sister, Breezy Smith. Please add your memories.

I never got a chance to meet the amazing Ivory. I heard about her life via an article in Eugene Weekly which described the tragedy of her death. Here is a link to that article:

www.eugeneweekly.com/2021/02/11/ivory-irene-mccuen-1990-2021/

As the article notes, the family memorial for Ivory will be this Saturday, which would be Ivory's 31st birthday: 13 March 2021.

After talking with Breezy, I am working with a number of grassroots advocacy groups to have a Virtual Vigil to get out the important story of Ivory, Sunday, 18 April 2021 at 5 pm PT. Watch this site for more information.

Those interested in learning more can also email to us at ivorypeer@gmail.com, and we will keep you updated.

I extend my deepest heartfelt support for family and friends who mourn this spectacular human being.

Tributes

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David Oaks
January 24, 2023
January 24, 2023
Today, 1/24, is exactly 2 years since Ivory died homeless of exposure in a mental & emotional crisis, just a few blocks from our home. Our Unitarian Universalist Church has an Accessibility Task Force, and we held a vigil here in Eugene near where she died to honor her memory. We have left a photo of this vigil in the photo section of this site. On right is a man living in his car. Next to him is Breezy, Ivory's sister.
Breezy S
January 24, 2023
January 24, 2023
Good morning little sister..... today marks 2 years since you made your journey. Last weekend I visited the place you laid your head down for the final time......
Missing you dearly. Love you Weeny
Breezy S
March 14, 2022
March 14, 2022
Yesterday was your 32nd Birthday..... I thought I wouldn't cry..... but I did. I sat down by your willow tree and listened to the creek. I laid wildflowers by your stone. The sun was shining through the clouds and there was a light breeze. It was everything your Birthday should have been. As I walked away into the field, I let the rain wash away my tears and sang you Happy Birthday.
Breezy S
January 24, 2022
January 24, 2022
Lighting a candle for you today little sister..... may your memory continue. You are so very loved and missed. Today marks a year. I watch old videos of you and listen to voicemails, grateful for these. Your passing seems like a lifetime ago and yet feels like just yesterday. I close my eyes and think of you, the image I see is your smiling blue eyes and can hear your crazy contagious laugh. Love you Weeny.

-Sissy
Breezy S
April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021
My little sister.... my little Weeny. Trying to be brave and find strength. We will honor you again on Sunday and for as long as I am breathing. I am sorry I couldn't reach you, I'm sorry I couldn't help you.... my heart breaks. May you be with me as I begin a new journey in your name, in your honor, your strength carry over to me so that I may help others. Your life and death shall not be in vain.
Sarah Smith
March 9, 2021
March 9, 2021
Dear Ivory, you were loving and you are loved; even though you were alone in the last hours of your life, your death will not be in vain and we will carry your spirit in our hearts always. Your spirit emboldens people like me who are frightened. When I feel weak and outnumbered, your spirit will help me find steel and resolve. You spirit makes me want more than ever for our voices to be heard, even if we have to raise our voices a little more than is considered polite. Because of you, we will not let go of the dream of creating safe sanctuaries for all people who have been othered and labelled, places where people can connect with one another as human beings, places where people can go to meet their basic needs met without shame, stigma, or pre-conditions.

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Recent Tributes
David Oaks
January 24, 2023
January 24, 2023
Today, 1/24, is exactly 2 years since Ivory died homeless of exposure in a mental & emotional crisis, just a few blocks from our home. Our Unitarian Universalist Church has an Accessibility Task Force, and we held a vigil here in Eugene near where she died to honor her memory. We have left a photo of this vigil in the photo section of this site. On right is a man living in his car. Next to him is Breezy, Ivory's sister.
Breezy S
January 24, 2023
January 24, 2023
Good morning little sister..... today marks 2 years since you made your journey. Last weekend I visited the place you laid your head down for the final time......
Missing you dearly. Love you Weeny
Breezy S
March 14, 2022
March 14, 2022
Yesterday was your 32nd Birthday..... I thought I wouldn't cry..... but I did. I sat down by your willow tree and listened to the creek. I laid wildflowers by your stone. The sun was shining through the clouds and there was a light breeze. It was everything your Birthday should have been. As I walked away into the field, I let the rain wash away my tears and sang you Happy Birthday.
View all 7 tributes
Gallery
Today, 1/24, is exactly 2 years since Ivory died homeless of exposure in a mental & emotional crisis
My beautiful little sister
Members of the community gathered to honor you.
Flowers were laid in your honor little sister. You chose a beautiful place.
Missing you little sister
Kilian & Mykelti letting balloons up to heaven for you
Ivory and her Mykelti
Ivory and her son Kilian
Mom and Ivory
View all 13 items
Recent stories

Four months today.... 4 years ago today

May 24, 2021
by Breezy S
I am missing you so very much. Four months ago today you made your journey to the "heavens". I see you everywhere little sister. I hear you in every song that plays, I see the beautiful blue in your eyes when I look up to the sky. Four years ago today, Phait and I had arrived in Eugene to visit you and Grandpa had come up from Arizona..... the last time we'd all be together. Grandpa's heart is broken. Everytime we talk he tells me stories of when we were young. He knows you're with Grandma now, and being well taken care of. 
If I just had one more moment with you......

Missing you

April 29, 2021
by Breezy S
I miss you so much little sister. You've always been my biggest fan..... I feel so sad and scared. I just wish you could tell me one last time that "it's gonna be ok sister". 
The other day I heard a song play from the movie Selena. I had to laugh a bit! The memories of you being a little girl watching that movie over and over and memorizing every song and all the dance moves. You'd put on your purple flowered twirling shirt and sing with so much passion.
Last weekend Mykelti stayed with me. We went through pictures of you and videos of the two of you from when he was a baby. I told him the Selena story, and he showed me some dance moves of his own. I know you were smiling down on us. 
Love you Weeny. Sista sista
April 16, 2021
by Breezy S
It's been a little over a month since your Birthday, since your services where family and friends gathered to remember you and say our farewells. Your boys were together just as you always wanted.... I can see you in them, in their eyes I see you. They are so brave little sister. You are so very loved. Your memory will live on. I tell the boys stories of when you were young, your favorite colors, passion for music, art, outdoor adventures, and animals..... I will always tell your stories and share our memories with your sons.
Love you Weeny
View all 5 stories

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