Ivy Nell Gray Thompson was born on February 5, 1939, in Palestine, Texas, to Robert Gray Jr. and Lillie Chancellor Gray. She was raised in Palestine, where she attended Story High School. She later moved to El Paso, Texas, and graduated from El Paso Technical High School.
On January 30, 1970, Ivy found her lifelong partner and was united in marriage to Samuel Paul Thompson. Together, they shared many happy years.
Following high school, Ivy pursued higher education at Chaminade University of Honolulu, earning an Associate of Arts degree on May 20, 1985. She later attended New Mexico State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, with an emphasis in Family and Child Science, graduating in January 2002.
Ivy’s deepest passion was serving God and praising His name. She preached, taught, and mentored many through the Holy Word of God. She always had an encouraging and inspirational word for anyone who crossed her path.
Although Ivy did not have children of her own, she loved and supported many as though they were her own. One of her cherished sayings was, “There are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met.” Her love for family and others was reflected in the words: “I choose you—and I choose you over and over and over, without pause, without a doubt.”
On September 06, 2026, in El Paso, Texas Ivy departed this earth. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Jr. and Lillie Gray; Brother. Joe Gray, William Gray and Robert Gray 3rd.
She leaves sister, Peggy Owens, many nieces, nephews, host of relatives and friends.
We will always carry her memories in our hearts “Forever missed and never forgotten.”
Visitation will be held at Funeraria del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer St, El Paso, Texas 79904, on September 24, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Funeral Service will take place at Funeraria del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer St, El Paso, Texas 79904, on September 25, 2026, at 11:30 am.
A Committal Service will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906, US, on September 25, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
