Mary Ivester

Mrs. Mary Alice Ivester, 76, of Cartersville, Ga is now in the arms of Jesus. She passed peacefully from this Earth into Heaven on March 1st, 2023. Her purpose is fulfilled, and her suffering is no more. She has been a cancer warrior for the past 7 years and steadfastly kept her unwavering faith in God's plan. She is known to have "Quiet Courage" as courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow" – Mary Anne Radmacher.

Our mom lived her life and challenges quietly, privately, and always said "tomorrow is a new day." She loved and lost with great pride and deep sadness. Her love was unconditional, deep, and always full of grace. Her spirit was unselfish, faithful, and forgiving. Her frame may have been small and petite, but don't let that fool you, she was full of sass and a firecracker if you messed with those she loved, and she loved her family more than anything in this world. She taught us all to love and love big.

Mary graduated from Stone Mountain High School in 1964 and in 1965, married the love of her life Royce Ivester. She loved him so much that she married him twice, with the second time being in April 2000. Mary had a long career working with children in various settings. She was a court reporter for the DeKalb County Juvenile Court for 7 years, then in 1977, moved to Cartersville to support Royce with opening Cartersville Muffler Shop. She later worked as an administrative assistant for the Bartow County Juvenile Court, Cass Middle School, and in 2007 she retired from Mission Road Elementary School. She was a beloved member of The Church at Liberty Square and became very involved with the senior ladies' group.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Herschel Chandler, and Corine Day; sister, Sara Jenkins; and husband, Royce Ivester. Survivors include her daughter, Kellie (Wade) Turner; son, Jason (Amberly) Ivester; grandchildren, Ethan Turner, Josie Turner, Tucker Ivester, and Peri Ivester; nephews, Billy Mullinax, Michael (Michelle) Patton, Matthew (Jessica) Patton; great nephews and nieces, Cory & Kaden Mullinax, Amy (Brandon) Anglin, and Thomas (Jocelyne) Mullinax; and sister-in-law, Judy (Milas) Patton.

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 4th 5-7pm at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home, Cartersville. Sunday, March 5th family and friends will gather at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home at 2pm and travel in procession to the cemetery at 2:30pm. A 3pm Graveside service will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, Carterville, with Pastor Travis Rutland officiating. Memorial donations in Mary's name can be made to "The Church at Liberty Square Outreach Programs" which includes many of the following: Harvest House nutrition programs, Backpack Buddies for impoverished children, afterschool nutrition programs, and Bartow Family Resources.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Ivester, Tucker Ivester, Wade Turner, Ethan Turner, Billy Mullinax, Cory Mullinax and Brandon Anglin.

Please visit www.parnickjenningsfuneral.com to share memories or leave condolence messages.