Ivelyn Poston

She was born Ivelyn Marie Hawkins on December 6, 1941, in Euharlee, Georgia, to the late Gladys Evans Wilson and Warren Pulaski Stitcher. She proudly grew up in Stilesboro, Georgia, with her mother and maternal grandparents. She attended Brandon's Chapel Baptist Church during her early childhood, where she was saved and baptized into the Christian faith. Her humble roots remained with her throughout her life, laying the foundation for a strong spiritual woman.

On June 6, 1959, in the living room of the preacher's house, Ivelyn married Robert Louie "Bob" Poston Jr., and soon after joined him in Germany, where he was stationed in the Army. In Germany, they welcomed their first son, Robert Ill “Pete”, before returning to Georgia and welcoming their daughter, Melissa. They again moved abroad to Germany, where their third child, Derrick, completed their family. Ivelyn and her family lived in New Mexico, Colorado, and Virginia before finally returning home to Bartow County, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Ivelyn was a dedicated mother, raising her three children while Bob served his country in Vietnam. While her kids were in school, lvelyn worked hard to earn her G.E.D. and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kennesaw State University. She proudly worked for the Georgia Department of Audits & Accounts. Outside of work, she enjoyed playing bridge with friends, gardening, and travelling the world.

Coming from humble roots, she wanted to see the world that no one else she knew had had the opportunity to experience. In retirement, she traveled with her children and grandchildren across the globe, sharing the history of the places she loved with them. Through her travels, she visited the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, Machu Picchu, Buckingham Palace, and many more incredible sites. Her last international trip was with her granddaughter, Caroline, to Russia.

Ivelyn's greatest joy in her later life was being "Nana" to her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

In heaven, lvelyn will be reunited with her mother, Gladys; her father, Warren P.; her brothers-in-law, Gordon Tidwell, Donald Poston Sr., and Tommy Poston; her beloved sister-in-law, Eilene Poston; and her best friends and travel partners, Billy Stewart, June Thacker Jackson, and Reba Tilley.

Ivelyn is survived by her husband of over sixty-five years, Robert "Bob" Poston Jr.; her children, Robert "Pete" Poston III (Holly), Melissa Poston Bell (Rick), and Derrick Poston (Syndi); six grandchildren, Caroline Rhodes, Paris Davis (Joshua), Robert "Robby" Poston IV (Alexa), Grace Charmaine Rhodes, Susanna Poston, Daniel Poston and Patrick Carpenter; and two great-granddaughters, Ivy Lynn Davis, who was named after her, and Lyla Mae Davis.

Ivelyn is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Joan Tidwell, with whom she shared a lifelong friendship and close bond. She is also survived by her half-sisters, Emolyn Fricks, Rhonda Hampton, and Terri Bradshaw, as well as her half-brothers, Roy Wilson, Dale Cantrell, and Ronnie Cantrell.

Ivelyn had many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to thank the team of nurses at Amedysis Home Health, especially Angie Bettis, Misty Mitchell, and Beth Ingram, as well as Dellie Smith, for their care of and love for Ivelyn in her final days.

Gathering of Family and Friends will be held beginning at 10am with a Celebration of Ivelyn’s Life at 12pm on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Owen Funeral Home. Ivelyn will be interred following the service at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Vet to Vet of Georgia or to the Etowah Valley Humane Society in Ivelyn's honor. Donations can be made through their websites: www.vet-to-vet-of-georgia.square.site or www.etowahvailleyhumane.org/donate

Owen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.