LILLIE O. IVEY

Lillie Opal Ivey, 91 of Big Lake died Tuesday February 17, 2009 at an area hospital. Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Friday February 20, 2009 at Sherwood Cemetery with Rev. Lloyd Conner, pastor of First Baptist Church of Marfa, officiating. Rev. Conner has been Opal's pastor and family friend for many years. Lillie Opal Bledsoe Ivey was born May 11, 1917 in Gunter, Texas to Charles Emery and Lillie Myrtle Roberts Bledsoe. Lillie married Chester Hiram Ivey in Shamrock, Texas on September 18, 1933. Opal worked as a receptionist and switchboard operator at the Crews hotel in Marfa when her children became older. She then went to work for the First National Bank of Marfa until her retirement. After her retirement, she and Chester moved to Christoval, Texas. Later she and Chester lived on their farm in Kimble County. After Chester's death, Opal moved back to her residence in Christoval. As a young mother and wife she volunteered with Sunbeams, Brownies and Girl's Auxiliary. Opal was very active in the First Baptist church in Marfa. Opal was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Although she is with the Lord, she will be missed. She is preceded in death by her husband, Chester Ivey; sister - in-law, Virginia Kiser; three sisters, Edith Webb, Velma Chisholm, Ruby Miller and two brothers, Bob Bledsoe and Buster Bledsoe. She is survived by two daughters; Gloria and husband, David Pool Jr. of Big Lake, Diana Knight of Ennis, Texas; Her favorite brother-in-law and wife, Ray and Katherine Ivey of Mertzon; six grandchildren; Ivie Avery and husband, Bill, Jay Pool and wife, Lisa, David Pool, Scott Knight, Dusty Knight and Billie and Chris Walker; Seven Great-grandchildren; Justin Avery, Wesley Avery, Jennifer Teague, Summer Pack, Shiloh Pool, Chance Pool and Garrett Pool; four Great-Great-Grandchildren; John Avery, Annya Day, Emma Teague and Jaydin Pack. Pallbearers will be Scott Knight, David Pool, Garrett Pool, Chance Pool, Jay Pool and Justin Avery. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Workman, Wesley Avery and Bill Avery. Memorials in honor of Opal may be given to First Baptist Church of Marfa at 205 N. Austin Marfa, Texas 79843 or to the West Texas Rehab at 3001 S. Jackson San Angelo, Texas 76904