Brenda Gayle Ivory

Mrs. Brenda Gayle Ivory, 73, passed away at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN on the afternoon of Saturday, January 8, 2022. Brenda was born on June 26, 1948 in Sharon, PA to the late Thomas B. Sr. and Sarah (Curry) Adams.

A long-time resident of South Bend, Brenda was employed as both a paraprofessional with South Bend Community Schools and through South Bend Parks Department. She was united in marriage to Mr. Ethurel P. Ivory, Sr. in South Bend, IN. He preceded her in death in 2008. Brenda was a saved and devoted Christian, serving and praising the Lord faithfully at her home church, Greater St. John Missionary Baptist.

Brenda was a devoted, loving mother of eleven children, as well as a beloved grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend.

Brenda is survived by two daughters, Marsha A. Duckworth of South Bend and Lisa Ivory of South Bend; seven sons: Maurice L. (Cynthia) Burton of South Bend, Mark A. Duckworth, Sr. of Las Vegas, NV, Dennis D. Jones, Sr. of South Bend, Roderick B. (Sharleen) Ivory of Mishawaka, Eric O. (Juliane) Ivory of Granger, William Ivory of Niles, MI and J.T. Ivory of Mississippi; 43 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ric (Maria) Adams of South Bend; sister-in-law Bernadine Adams; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Brenda was also known as “Granny” to the entire Lakeside community, as well as everyone she affectionately encountered. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her husband, Ethurel P. Ivory, Sr., and her parents, Thomas Sr. and Sarah Adams, Brenda was preceded in death by a son, David Jones; two grandsons, Da’Mon “Pooh Pooh” M. Bethel and Mark “Tony” Anthony Duckworth, Jr; and two brothers, Thomas B. Adams, Jr. and Ronald Adams.

Services for Brenda Ivory will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N. Adams Street, South Bend, IN 46628. Pastor André A. McGhee will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Palmer Funeral Homes – West Chapel, 2702 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN 46628. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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