John A. (Dutch) Ivester

John A. “Dutch” Ivester, Jr., age 87 of Toccoa, passed away Thursday, December 3, 2015.

Born in Habersham County on May 29, 1928, he was a son of the late John Auford Ivester, Sr. and Flora Littleton Ivester. Mr. Ivester was a member of Refuge Baptist Church in Clarkesville and was a self employed logger. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, storytelling and caring for others. Mr. Ivester also enjoyed spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife of 59 years, Dorothy Louise Garrett Ivester; sisters, Ellie English and Margaret Smith; brothers, Henry and Efford Ivester.

Surviving are wife, Mary Cobb Harbart Taylor Ivester of Toccoa; daughters and son s-in-law, Judy and Michael Collins of Toccoa and Debbie and Bobby Walden of Clarkesville; sons and daughters-in-law, Phil and Sandy Ivester of Hollywood, Jerry and Judy Ivester of Demorest and David and Pam Ivester of Hollywood; step sons, Eddie Ray and Steve Harbart both of Toccoa; step daughters, Susan Garland of Toccoa and Sandra Caudell of Commerce; grandchildren, Chad Ivester, Trent Ivester, Jeremy Benfield, Scott Westmoreland, Renee Ballenger, Beth Davis, Denver Ivester, Stephanie Phillips, Michelle Dalton, Kristy Morrison and Jill Franklin; 23 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; brothers and sister-in-law, Ray Ivester of Toccoa and Jim and Gail Ivester of Clarkesville.

Funeral services are 3 pm Sunday, December 6, 2015, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Pastor Scott Westmoreland officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Bethel Church of God cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Saturday at the funeral home.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.