Jerry Clark Ivie

Jerry Clark Ivie, 91, of Houston, passed peacefully from this life on November 2, 2024. Jerry was born February 21, 1933, in Webb City, Missouri, and was the son of Charles Carl and Thelma (Smith) Ivie.

A graduate of Joplin (Mo.) High School, Class of 1951, he earned his Business Degree in 1955 from the University of Kansas where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, and the Beta Sigma and Scabbard & Blade Honorary Societies. After graduation, Jerry served a two-year tour of duty with the United States Air Force, and eventually rose to the rank of Captain. He then resumed his education and received his Master of Business Administration Degree from the Harvard Business School in Boston, Mass., in June of 1959. After graduating from Harvard, Jerry commenced his 38-year business career in retailing starting as an Assistant Dress Buyer for Burdine's (owned at that time by Federated Department Stores) in Miami, Florida. In 1976, a career opportunity presented itself and Jerry moved to Houston to join Palais Royal, a clothing and accessories retailer in the general Houston area, where he worked his way up to Senior Vice-President and Secretary. After working 21 years for Palais Royal, Jerry retired in 1997.

Jerry was raised as a Christian in a Christian family, was a "believer", and attended the Presbyterian Church throughout his life. After retirement, he volunteered for several years at West Houston Assistance Ministries, Inc., a non-profit organization that helps the homeless and less fortunate in the community. Jerry was a 3rd Degree Mason in the Blue Lode and 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Bodies. His most favorite activity, however, was spending time, and sharing interests, with all his family members who he cherished and deeply loved.

In 1956, Jerry married Shirley Dawn Rogers from Topeka, Kansas, who preceded him in death in 2002 after 46 years of a devoted and loving relationship. They had three children: Robin Rogers Ivie, who passed in 2008; Kimberly Ann Bossung of Plano; and Christopher Charles Ivie, of Houston; Jerry also had five grandchildren: Ashley Bruegel of McKinney; Andrew Clark Ivie of Houston; Kristen Rossi of McKinney; Justin T. Ivie of Houston; and Colton Ivie of Houston. Jerry and Shirley also had nine great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Jerry (aka Pok) was a special man who was loved deeply by all. His legacy lives on through generations who loved and admired him.