Mildred Ivey Nolin

On the morning of December 17, 2019 Mildred Ivey Nolin departed this life to spend Christmas and eternity with her beloved husband, Ralph, in Heaven. She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Florence Thrash Ivey, her oldest brother, Jack Ivey, brother-in-law Michael Swain; and brother-in-law Louie Gene Oates.

Mildred was born in Pike County, Alabama, graduating first in her class at Pike County High School. She met Ralph on a double date, and although she was not his date, the next day he showed up at the dime store where she worked in Brundidge, Alabama asking for a date to the “picture show.” That movie date was where she first became aware of her future husband’s tendency to laugh loud and long at any and all cartoons and comedies, something which continually embarrassed her throughout their 60 years together (along with his love of telling jokes and funny stories).

They were married April 8, 1950 and soon Mildred was accompanying her truck-driving husband on long trips to faraway places. They had two daughters, Brenda, born on December 17, 1950 and Barbara born on July 16, 1953. Mildred settled into her quiet life as a homemaker, wife and mother, roles which she performed with love and excellence.

In 1956, Ralph accepted a job in Mobile, a decision of which Mildred approved since it meant he would be driving in-town and there would be no days-long absences. However, she immediately reversed her approval when they exited the Bankhead Tunnel right into the loud and boisterous aftermath of a Mardi Gras parade. (Think Pollyanna Goes to Las Vegas).

Mildred’s first task after unpacking boxes was to seek out a church which was within walking distance of their Pillans Street duplex since she did not drive. Soon she and her two small girls were attending church. When the family moved two years later to a new subdivision, they found their church home at Navco Baptist Church where Mildred’s prayers and persistence led her husband to accept Christ and to be baptized at the age of 35. They were both active and faithful members at Navco Baptist and later Manor Baptist. Most recently, Mildred became a member of First Baptist Bay Minette.

Mildred was never a member of a Sunday School class until her 80’s, because she was always working in the nursery or teaching young ones about God’s love. She was so good at it that she became known as “the Jesus lady,” an honor bestowed by one of her precious five-year old students. Although a life-long devout Southern Baptist, while a resident of Allen Health and Rehabilitation Center she attended Catholic mass in the chapel (she said their “preachers wore dresses but that was all right and I enjoyed the Bible reading”). She also went to an Episcopal service and had a front row seat when the Delaware Street Baptist Church gospel singers presented a Christmas program.

Mildred loved God, her family, her church, and several stray kittens who found refuge and food at her back door. She enjoyed reading, Jeopardy, playing bingo and dominoes, Auburn football, and doing crosswords.

Mildred is survived by daughter Brenda Carlisle (Dennis) and granddaughter Laura Elizabeth Carlisle (Andrew Farris); daughter Barbara Deese (Gordon) and grandson Timothy Nolin Deese (Melinda McGhee); sister Joyce Oates (Louie Gene); sister Mirlyn Cox (Luther Dean); sister Linda Swain (Michael); sister Frances Flowers (Jerome); brother Billy Ivey (Rachel); brother Willie Ivey (Deborah); brother Terry Ivey (Alice), and sister-in-law Esther Ivey (Jack) and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Mirlyn and Luther Dean Cox, and their son Marcus and his wife Carolyn, for their many years of special love and attention, and to the staff of Allen Health and Rehabilitation-Noland Health Services, who created a loving and nurturing home for Mildred in her final weeks.

Visitation will be Friday, December 20, 2019 at Noon at Pine Crest Funeral Home, Dauphin Island Parkway, with services at 1:00pm in the Chapel, followed by graveside services. Pallbearers will be Timothy Deese; Billy Ivey; Willie Ivey, Terry Ivey, Marcus Cox and Andrew Farris.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama, P.O. Box 6724, Mobile, AL 36660 or to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home, 6512 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36695.