Scottie Lee (Davis) Ivory

Scottie Lee Davis Ivory was born July 24, 1930, in Seguin, Texas, to the late Reverend Silas Leonard Davis and Willia Cora (Thompson) Davis. She was the 8th of 11 children. Known affectionately by her family and closest friends as “Scottie Lee,” by her grandchildren as “Grandmother,” by her nieces and nephews as “Aunt Scottie,” by the greater East Austin community as either “Ms. Scottie” or “One of the Davis Girls,” and her current pastor, Reverend L. K. Jones, called her “Sister S.L.”

She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her father, the late Reverend S. L. Davis. In 1989, she joined Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church in Bartlett, Texas, under the leadership of her brother-in-law, the late Reverend Ira Lewis. After the passing of Pastor Lewis, she returned to her home church, Mt. Calvary M.B.C., under the leadership of her nephew, Reverend L. K. Jones.

As with most preacher-pastors’ kids (PKs), Scottie attended church most days of the week, often the first to arrive and the last to leave. She sang faithfully in the choir, participated in the women’s ministry, and assisted in teaching and training the church’s youth. Scottie, like all of her siblings, had a beautiful, soulful, melodic voice. She was known for her powerful ability to sing traditional hymns. A few of her more memorable solo leads include “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah,” “I’m Happy With Jesus Alone,” “He’ll Fight My Battle,” and “God Specializes.” Her greatest joy, as well as objective, was to lead souls to Christ. Led by Minister Ira Lewis (her nephew), she even conducted Bible meetings in her front yard for them to learn more about Jesus.

Scottie received her education at L. L. Campbell Elementary School, Olive Street Middle School, and L. C. Anderson High School (Yellow Jackets). As a young woman, she worked as a full-time housekeeper and cook for the Allen family for 40 years. The family and Scottie formed a mutually endearing and loving connection that remains as such, even today. Scottie went on to work for the Austin Independent School District in Food Services. She then worked for the State of Texas at the Austin State School (Austin State Supported Living Center), where she retired as a Direct Care Supervisor after 20 years of service. After retiring, she was a full-time caregiver for her mother and father.

Scottie’s most enduring contribution was her transformative work within the Chestnut Neighborhood of East Austin. As a steadfast advocate for her community, Scottie was instrumental in spearheading efforts over the years to confront, combat, and rid the neighborhood of crime and blight. She worked tirelessly and collaboratively with residents, local authorities, and nonprofit organizations to foster a safer environment for all. Her unwavering commitment to affordable housing would keep long-time residents in the neighborhood, while welcoming newcomers alike. (For additional awards, achievements, and honors, please read the insert.)

Scottie was married to the late James L. Blakemore, Sr., of Trenton, New Jersey. During this marriage, they had four children. She later married the late Julius “Pete” Ivory of Austin, Texas. During this marriage, they had one child.

Scottie is preceded in death by both parents, Reverend S. L. Davis and Willia Cora (Thompson) Davis; her brothers, James Davis, Reverend O. D. Davis, Captain Willie Ray Davis, and Dr. Floyd A. Davis; her sisters, Calasca Murphy, Ogereda Bowman, and Valena Simmons; her son, Gunnery Sgt. James L. Blakemore, Jr.; and her daughter, Portia A. Watson.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her sisters, Vessie Tutt (Ezelle), Teresia Lewis, and Barbara Dotson; her son, Carlton Blakemore; her daughters, Cora J. Taylor (Pastor Glenn) and Domonica Ivory-Foster; her grandchildren, Lucretia Blakemore, Timothy Hunt, Sr. (Melissa), Terry Hunt, Sr., Tracey Hunt, Trine’ Spaeth, Seneca Watson, Minister Robert Sheppard III (Ciara), Colin Wright (Vanessa Tambunga), Cierra Whalon, Cydnei Mathis (LaMontra Moore), and Kalyse Foster; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.