Mark Charles Peter Nelson Ivory

Mark Charles Peter Nelson Ivory, 57, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2016 in Quincy, FL. Mark was born in New York to Peter Ivory, M.D., and Eleanor Ivory, while they served at the Warren State Hospital in Warren, PA.

Mark was passionate about science and planned to be a chemist. He impressed all with his intelligence and his vast knowledge of the periodic table. At age 12, Mark suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident, which left him in a coma for 9 months and resulted in hemiplegia. The accident also took the life of his mother. Mark’s spirit was never broken and despite his challenges, he always shared a happy demeanor.

Mark continued his studies and finished high school. He worked for the State of Florida's Division of Archives, History and Records Management as a micro film camera operator. He was honored as the 1979 Goodwill Industries-Big Bend Worker of the Year. Mark was a true inspiration to all who knew him, and his will to overcome difficult circumstances was courageous and respected. His love of songs and science was known to all. His enthusiastic and kind ways touched those around him.

Mark is survived by his devoted father with whom he shared a special lifelong bond, step-mother Eve Ervin Ivory, sisters Anne Ivory-McNally and Celeste Ivory, uncle Ardell Nelson, P.E., step-uncle and step-aunt Judge Richard and Carol Ervin, brother-in-law John McNally, nephew Jacob McNally, niece Morgan McNally, brother-in-spirit Chris Fowler, and extended family and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents Harold and Bertha Nelson, British grandparents Charles Ivory, O.B.E., and Kathleen Ivory, and step-grandparents Justice Richard and Frances Ervin. He will be interred with his mother and her parents at the Sarasota Memorial Park. In honor of two of Mark’s interests, science and radio, donations in his memory to support Science Friday, a public radio program dedicated to increasing the public’s access to science and scientific information, would be most welcomed.

A remembrance gathering is planned on Friday, February 12, 2 p.m. at Riverchase Health and Rehabilitation Center, 1017 Strong Road, Quincy, FL.