Mrs. Ivy Mae Sears

Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom opened His arms to receive our beloved mother, Ivy

Sears, into eternal rest on July 1, 2016.

Ivy Mae Bryan was born on May 11, 1925 in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica to Henry Bryan and Sylvia Davis. It was there that she received her formal education in the schools of the Portland District. Ivy entered into holy matrimony with Oswald A. Walker in 1950, and they moved Cleveland, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, she met Mildred McBrady who became her surrogate mother for over thirty wonderful years. Later in her life, Ivy married William Eugene Sears of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ms. Ivy, as she was loving referred to by many in the States, began her employment career as a professional seamstress in the garment industry. Her creative flair and talent led to a tailoring business where she customized clothing for women and men until she retired in 1984. Her selflessness and hard work was the threshold of a better life for her children and the fulfillment of their dreams. Her children were fortunate to have had the unconditional love and support of such a terrific mom.

Ivy was a humanitarian with a fiery spirit that was laced with delicate charm. She consistently showed compassion and concern for others. People often came to her for advice and guidance. Ivy delighted herself in the role of “second mother” to those in her community and extended family.

She also immensely enjoyed working in her garden and cultivating the land. Her home, that was always impeccably kept, was the heart of good times and good food. She was indeed a talented cook, especially with her Jamaican cuisine. Everyone loved her ‘rice and peas and curry chicken”, an all time favorite dish. Ivy not only had talented hands, but a generous heart. An avid sports fan and a proud resident of Cleveland, she reveled in watching her beloved Cavaliers bring their recent championship home.

Ivy was preceded in death by her eldest son Kenneth Alambert Walker in 1986, and her youngest daughter, Terri Ann Walker in 1999. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: a loving daughter Ina and three sons, Gary, Karl, and Kevin; two step children Joe, Beverly and Irie Sears; her grandchildren, Rahsaan Walker, Gary Walker, Jr, Antonio Martin, and Andrew Jones-Walker; her great grandchildren Shamaji Martin and McKenzie Walker; her faithful daughter in-law, Rose Harris Walker; her extended families in Jamaica, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati; and a number of very special friends including her childhood friend Mary Walker (“Baby”) of Portland, Jamaica.

We celebrate the life of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and esteemed friend, and give thanks to the Creator for her ninety-one remarkable years on this earth.

Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within us, forever in our hearts.

Loving Submitted

The Family