Margaret Vaughan Farmer Ivey, of Atlanta, Georgia, formerly of Maitland, Florida, passed away on March 31, 2015 at the age of 92 from Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born Margaret Vaughan Farmer on November 9, 1922, in Wilson, North Carolina, to William Moses and Blanche Patience Henry Farmer. The youngest of 9 children, she was raised in Wilson and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College). In the days before calculators, she worked at Langley Field, in Hampton, Virginia, as a “computer” (mathematician) for the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (now NASA), where she also met her husband, Henry Reese Ivey. They were married in January, 1945.
Margaret and Reese had four children. In 1959, they moved to Central Florida, where she was a busy mother, serving as President of the PTA, Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie Scout leader, and many other activities with her children. She earned a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida in 1974, working next as a counselor for troubled teens and in a small family counseling service. Margaret later taught math and English at Winter Park High School, her children’s Alma Mater, receiving the Teacher of the Year award at age 65. She was also active for nearly 50 years in the Winter Park Presbyterian Church, where she was elected to the Session and ordained as a Deacon in the days when women were rarely allowed such service.
In their later years, Margaret and Reese loved to travel, both domestically to visit the family, as well as around the world. Their favorite trip was to Australia and New Zealand. In 2008, they moved to Marietta to live together near their son, Bill. Margaret and Reese remained together until Reese’s death in 2010.
Margaret is survived by: her sister-in-law, Ruby Lee Farmer of Oxford, NC; her children and their spouses Dr. Henry Reese Ivey, Jr., and Susan Fuhrer Ivey of Roanoke, Virginia; William and Katrina Ivey of Marietta, Georgia; Dr. Susan Lee Ivey and Peter Bernhard of Danville, California; and Charles Ivey and Randall Horne of Orlando, Florida; her grandchildren and their spouses, Rebecca Ivey and Charles McCauley of Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Sara Sarraf and Dr. Ammar Sarraf of Richmond, Virginia, Jessica Sheehy and Kelly Sheehy of Atlanta, Georgia, Elizabeth Ivey of Woodstock, Georgia, Katrina Castelli and Anthony Castelli of St. Louis, Missouri, Rachel Velazquez Bernhard and Miguel Velazquez of Berkeley, California, Erica Lauren Bernhard of Los Angeles, California, and Daniel Bernhard of Danville, California; and her great-grandchildren Finn and Heath Sheehy, Margaret McCauley, and Sebastian Sarraf.
She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Reese Ivey, Sr., and by 7 brothers and a sister, as well as many life-long friends.
A graveside service will be held this summer in Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
April 18, 2015
The Edge family sends our heartfelt condolences over the loss of Margaret, beloved best friend of our mother, Jackie. It seems as if they couldn't stay apart any longer, since their deaths came so close together. Margaret was such a special, joyful presence in all of our lives, an important part of our happy childhood memories on Oakland Drive.
Love,
David, Suzanne, and Anita
April 4, 2015
Charles Horne
A truly sweet spirit whose impact will continue through all those she touched.
April 3, 2015
Robert Clements
The world will miss this special person. She was not only smart and witty she was compassionate. When I was in need Margaret and Reese took me in and allowed me to stay in their home until I got back on my feet.
I learned a great deal from her. She will be missed!
I know she is in a better place and is free of the terrible disease. Her legacy will live on forever.
April 3, 2015
The Alumni of Winter Park High would like to express their condolences to the family.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Funeral services provided by:
Whitley Garner At Rosehaven Funeral Home8640 ROSE AVE, Douglasville, GA 30134
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more