Charles Henry Ivory

Charles Henry “Ike” Ivory was born on October 27, 1934, to Oscar and Willie Mae Sutton Ivory in Clarkesville, Georgia. He was the oldest of five children. When Charles was just two years old, his family moved to Gainesville, Georgia, where he would grow up surrounded by community, family, and faith. He attended Northwestern School through middle school and went on to graduate from Fair Street High School in 1953, where he proudly played football. Charles joined Saint John Baptist Church in 1946, under Reverend Fortson, planting the seeds of a faith that would guide him throughout his life. In 1954, Charles enrolled at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University), but after a year, he made the decision to serve in the U.S. Air Force. It was during his time in the service that he travelled across the world to Iran, England, Thailand and Germany - to name a few places. It was during his time stationed in Delaware that he met the love of his life, Gloria Higginbotham. They married on October 1, 1960, and he became a loving “bonus dad” to Gloria’s daughter, Wanda A. Morris. Charles served with honor and dedication as a husband, father and serviceman -- retiring after 25 years from the Air Force in 1976 as head of the Military Aircraft Supply Maintenance. In Trenton, New Jersey, he was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he nurtured his deep love for God and the Word. His love for his family never wavered. Over the decades, he made frequent trips from Trenton back to Gainesville to stay connected with his roots. In 2022, Charles moved back to Gainesville to be closer to his sister Debra I. Storey and niece Kathy Lightfoot, who provided him with loving care and support in his last years. Charles lived a full life and found joy in the simple things. He loved cheering for the New York Giants, keeping up with current events—especially via MSNBC—and wasn’t shy about sharing his colorful opinions (particularly when it came to Donald Trump!). He had a great sense of humor, was quite generous, and always kept those around him laughing. Charles lived with purpose, spoke with conviction, and loved with his whole heart. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gloria, his daughter Wanda, his parents, his sister Joanne I. Lightfoot, and his brothers Oscar M. Ivory and James L. Ivory. He leaves behind his sister Debra, sister-in-law Cathy Ivory, aunt Jean Ivory, godson Richard Graham Jr. (Kristina), goddaughters Thelma Ferguson and Christine Jones, a cherished cousin Earlene West, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Charles Henry Ivory

October 27, 1934 - June 8, 2025