Ivy Nolen Lutz

Ivy Nolen Lutz was a kind soul and dedicated educator with a wicked sense of humor who lived a full life as a cherished mother, sister, aunt, teacher and dear friend to countless. She passed away peacefully on 12/28/24 in Jacksonville, Florida surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Charleston, SC in 1948 to Aloysius J. (“Buddy”) Nolen and Patricia (“Pat”) McKamey Nolen, Ivy was the eldest of six siblings. Her time growing up among her siblings and a myriad of aunts, uncles and cousins was always reflected upon very fondly, with many stories told of growing up in coastal Charleston.

After graduating from Bishop England High School in Charleston, Ivy completed a Master’s in Elementary Education at Sacred Heart College in Belmont, NC – the beginning of a life-long passion teaching elementary students. Over a career spanning 40+ years, Ivy taught over 1,000 kindergarten and first grade students at Lake Lucina Elementary (Jacksonville, FL) – influencing future generations with her kindness and relatable methods of teaching. Whether children were her own, students, family or friends, they were drawn to her warm, unassuming nature. She truly had a gift in relating to young people and was considered a “second mom” by many.

Ivy was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, Florida, where she was able to celebrate her faith through service and music. The highlight of every week was gathering with her church family and singing in the choir, and many of her favorite memories were tied to spending time with her church family, whether that time was spent singing (or getting in trouble in the choir loft), worshipping, or traveling together.

In her downtime, Ivy loved the simple things like tinkering in her yard or house, or spending time with friends and family. She was an avid walker and always on the move, frequently seen walking her dog around the neighborhood. She loved living near the ocean, with many summer days at Atlantic Beach spent collecting shells or reading in a chair. And as a huge Jacksonville Jaguars fan, she always watched the game and could be heard hollering at the players from outside the house.

Known for her kindness, sharp but silly sense of humor, dedication to the education of children, and deep love of music and her church family, Ivy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She always wanted to be remembered for the laughter and adventures she shared with family and friends and her legacy in the many children she influenced over the years, not the sadness of her passing. She was especially proud of her children, nieces and nephews, and loved all with her whole heart.

Ivy was preceded in death by her parents Aloysius J. Nolen and Patricia McKamey Nolen, and younger brother Patrick (Karen) Nolen. She is survived by her children Ivy Ellen (Justin) Mattio and Richard E. Lutz Jr.; siblings George (Becky) Nolen, John Nolen, Eleanor (Craig) Hyder, and Elizabeth (Brad) Bailey; deeply loved nieces and nephews; many beloved friends; and grand dog Joy.

A celebration of Ivy’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida at 11:00am on Saturday, 1/4/25. Those attending are asked to wear something yellow or teal in honor of Ivy’s favorite color and beloved Jacksonville Jaguars. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service.

For those choosing to give in lieu of flowers, Ivy requested donations be made to the Dementia Society of America or Alzheimer’s Association.