DON CORSAY IVORY

Don Ivory was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 7, 1958. Affectionately known to family and friends as "PeeWee," he departed this life on July 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, laughter, and genuine friendship.

He attended E. R. Carter Elementary School, John F. Kennedy Middle School, D. T. Howard High School, and C. L. Harper High School. From an early age, Don possessed a magnetic personality that stayed with him throughout his life. He never met a stranger, had an unforgettable sense of humor, and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family. Whether you had known him for years or had just met him moments before, chances are you left the conversation smiling.

Don began working at the age of 15. His first, and perhaps favorite job was at the Colonnade restaurant, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the restaurant industry while mastering food preparation and cooking. Throughout his career, he worked in restaurants, hotels, warehouses, and as a skilled residential painter before concluding his working years with American Signature Furniture. No matter where he worked, Don was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and the relationships he built with those around him.

What truly distinguished Don, however, was his love for learning and sharing knowledge. He had an extensive vocabulary that was cultivated through one of his favorite daily routines—reading the dictionary. He found joy in expanding his mind and took great pleasure in teaching others new words and interesting facts. Crossword puzzles and word searches were among his favorite pastimes, and he approached each one with enthusiasm, patience, and the determination to solve every clue. His curiosity never faded, and his conversations often reflected the depth of his knowledge, quick wit, and thoughtful perspective.

Don was preceded in death by his loving mother, Geraldine Fowler Crawford; his father, Charles V. Ivory; his sister, Vicki Ivory; his brother, Reginald Willis; his stepbrother, Howard Crawford; and his stepsister, Miriam Crawford.

He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his siblings, John Ivory (Louise), LaVerne Ivory, and Regina Harden (Christopher).

Don was the proud father of Warren Thomas, Carcelia Ivory, and Corsay Ivory. While he loved his children deeply, nothing lit up his face quite like talking about his grandchildren. Lariyah, Indigo, Makenzie, and Aiden brought him immeasurable joy, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments or tell someone just how proud he was to be their grandfather. They were truly the light of his life.

He also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces and nephews, including Sabrina, Michelle, John Jr., Sean, Shenika, Shayla, Michael, Shaquana, and Gerrica, all of whom knew him lovingly as "Uncle PeeWee."

One of Don's greatest friendships was with his uncle, Greg Freeman. Better known as "Duck" and "Baby Hewey," the two shared a bond that was as much brotherhood as it was family. Wherever one was, the other was rarely far behind. Their laughter, stories, and unwavering friendship became legendary among those who knew them. He also leaves behind his special friend, Angela McMillan, whose companionship, friendship, and care brought comfort and joy to his life.

Don found great happiness in spending his last days at the Mozley Park Community Center, where he built meaningful friendships, shared stories, exchanged laughter, and brightened the days of everyone he encountered. It became one of his favorite places—a place where his warm spirit, infectious smile, and genuine kindness made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He never missed an opportunity to encourage someone, make them laugh, or strike up a conversation. Those who knew him there will remember him as a joyful, welcoming presence whose kindness was as consistent as his smile.

Don was blessed with an exceptionally large extended family, and in the Adamsville community it often seemed impossible to go anywhere without running into one of his many cousins. Family was one of his greatest treasures, and he loved each of them deeply.

Don Ivory lived a life marked by generosity, intelligence, humor, and heart. He believed in treating people with kindness, sharing what he knew, and finding joy in the simple moments of life. His legacy will not only be remembered through the stories he told, the wisdom he shared, and the laughter he inspired, but through the countless lives he touched simply by being himself.

Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the love he gave so freely, the lessons he shared so generously, and the joy he brought to others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. His life was well lived, his impact immeasurable, and his memory will forever be cherished.

"Well done, Don. Well done. Your race has been run, your work is complete, and your legacy lives on in every life you touched. We celebrate your life with gratitude, honor your memory with love, and will carry your laughter and wisdom with us always."