Joyce Irene Ivery

THERE IS A SEASON…

A Time To Be Born…

Joyce Irene Cousin Ivery was born on December 27, 1934 in Slidell, Louisiana. She was the first of ten children born to the late Inez Trouillier Cousin and Albert Bernard Cousin. Joyce was predeceased into the eternal by her beloved husband Collis Ivery Jr.; two (2) sisters Doris Vaughan and Lydia Cousin; and four (4) brothers, Leonard, Maurice, Eric, and Clyde Cousin.

A Time to Plant…

From the early stages of her life, Joyce was an extraordinarily special woman. She literally helped raise her nine brothers and sisters while her parents ran their family business. Joyce will forever be defined by her character and passion to be a good Christian, role model, and friend to those she knew and loved. Always willing to lend a hand to whomever needed her help, she worked tirelessly to help both those at work and in her church community. Joyce was beloved by all who knew her. She was truly a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and cherished friend.

A Time to Build…

Joyce graduated from St. Tammany High School in Slidell on May 27, 1953. After high school, she attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She excelled as an honor graduate and completed her college requirements in only three years, graduating on May 28, 1956. Joyce believed strongly in the value of higher education. After beginning her career as an elementary school teacher, she continued her educational pursuits ultimately earning a Master of Education degree in Counselor Education on December 18, 1974.

In March of 1990 Joyce was inducted into the grad chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She was an active member of the Beta Psi Omega chapter in Austin, TX. She obtained her silver star status on March 17, 2015 for achieving 25 years of devoted service. On June 16, 2015 she was also awarded a Lifetime Membership.

Joyce was also inducted into the Austin Chapter of The Links on June 7, 1998 and served as a faithful member for more than 25 years. Joyce was a devoted Link who held many positions and chaired numerous committees with the Austin Chapter. The Links is a State, National, and International organization that is focused on responding to the Civic, Educational, and Cultural needs and aspirations of Black women.

A Time to Love…

On June 29, 1957, Joyce entered the matrimonial bond with Thomas White Jr. The fruit of this union brought forth five (5) children, Cedric Keith, Derric Thomas, Karen Denise, Thomas Lewis III, and Corey Ignatius. This marriage of twenty-two (22) years ended in 1979. Joyce’s tenacious Christian values enabled her to persevere. She gave her heart and soul to all of her children as evidenced by the miles she traveled to visit them and the delicious meals she prepared for them (especially her gumbo and cornbread dressing).

Years later Joyce was blessed to meet Chief Master Sergeant Collis Ivery Jr., who was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. They were eventually married on December 29, 1987 and spent thirty-two (32) loving years together. Together they earned the label “road warriors” because they were always on the go visiting family, friends, and enjoying cultural and fraternity/sorority events across the southern United States.

A Time to Die…

In the last years of Joyce’s life, she maintained her sense of humor and keen wit while fighting courageously against the challenges of a failing heart valve and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Joyce Irene Cousin Ivery was touched by the angels of love, peace, and mercy with family at her side at 3:08 p.m., on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Long Creek Assisted Living & Memory Care Community in Sunnyvale, Texas. Her soul soared from this world to a beautiful place of eternal rest.

Joyce’s mortal life will continue to be remembered by her family and a host of relatives and friends who include her five (5) children- Cedric K. White of Rockwall, TX, Ret. Commander Derric T. White of Chesapeake, VA, Karen D. (Neicy) Lott of Cedar Hill, TX, Thomas L. White III (Rhonda) of Desoto, TX, and Corey I. White of Midlothian, TX; 10 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; one (1) sister Melba Cousin; two (2) brothers- Dennis (Sandra) Cousin and Bruce (Beverly) Cousin; one (1) sister-in-law- Carolyn Cousin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Joyce was also graced with three other children- Marsha Young, Collis Ivery III, and Ken Ivery.

Joyce truly touched the lives of those she encountered up until the moment she heard the Lord say, “Well done my good and faithful servant, come home!”

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joyce's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.