Ive Virginia Stephens Brown

“I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7 

A Time to be Born…

Ive Virginia Stephens Brown was born on June 22, 1949 in Gainesville, GA to the late Horace A. Stephens and Renell Winters Stephens. 

A Time to Learn…

Ive graduated from E. E. Butler High School where she excitedly served as a dynamic majorette and a member of the chorus. 

A Time to Work and Serve…

After High School, Ive started her career in manufacturing. After becoming disabled, Ive was forced to change career paths. Ive was determined not to allow her illness to limit her ability to live a loving and productive life. Her trust and faith in God never wavered. With the support and encouragement from family and friends, Ive changed course and set sail in a new direction. 

Unable to return to her previous employment, Ive followed her God given gift, loving and caring for children. Responding to an ad in the local newspaper, she met the Walton family (Dr. Glenn and Elizabeth Walton). For 23 remarkable years, Ive would serve as a “Nanny”. Today, the Brown and Walton families are a result of a Godly union. 

Ive is a true testament of God’s miraculous power. During Ive’s life, she faced many obstacles concerning her health. Her tenacity and faith, in addition to God’s favor, allowed her to overcome many life-threatening illnesses. Even during her illnesses, she remained positive and greeted everyone with a smile. She fought a great fight! 

Ive was a faithful member of Saint John Baptist Church, where she served as a Deaconess and a member of the Sunshine Seniors. Ive was also a member of the 49ers, a group she formed that consisted of close friends who were born in 1949. 

A Time to Remember…

Ive departed this life on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Minnie Lee Hamilton and Josienell Willis; brother, Willie Ed Stephens, and her beloved daughter, Deisha Brown. 

A Time to Celebrate…

Ive Brown leaves to cherish her memories a loving husband of forty-three years, Grady Eugene Brown; two adored sons, Kasey (Jessica) Brown of Pendleton, Indiana and Travis Brown of Gainesville, GA; two treasured grandchildren, Jayden Ayana and Kadence Eugene Brown (Kade); one brother, Alfred (Mary) Stephens; two sisters, Carrie (Ike) Crooks, Seneca, South Carolina, and LeQuitta Stephens, Gainesville, GA and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. 

Ive found joy in being around her family. Family was everything to her!

Wimberly Funeral Home