Iva Nesmith Huffingham

Iva Louise Nesmith Huffingham was born on March 12, 1923, in Andrews, South Carolina to Ellie Wallace Nesmith and Iva Pauline Mercer. She moved to Jacksonville, Florida with her parents and two of her five siblings in 1926. She is a 1942 graduate of Landon High School.

She married Earl Ray Huffingham on August 5, 1942. He died soon after their 67th wedding anniversary in 2009. Their children are Paula Suhey, Cynthia Williams (Robert), and Lester Huffingham (Jennifer). Their son Jonathan (Tammy) is deceased. Eleven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren called her grandma.

Iva became a Christian as a teenager, and she spent her nearly 100 years on this earth endeavoring to please God.

She was active in Glendale Community Church, University Blvd. Church of the Nazarene, Grace United Methodist Church (St. Augustine), and the Mandarin Presbyterian Church where she was a deacon.

As a member of the Auxiliary of the Gideons International she loved to give New Testaments to nurses. She was an International officer (Vice President and Chaplain) of that organization which afforded her the opportunity to travel throughout the United States to speak to various state conventions. She also enjoyed Christian Women’s Club and leading small group Bible studies.

Iva’s love for God, family and friends was always evident and she appreciated many good relationships that have continued through the years. She had a Bible verse that she considered her “life” verse: “That I may know Him and the fellowship of His suffering and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10).

Her family (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, and extended family members) “rise up and call her blessed.”

A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 2501 Loretto Road, Jacksonville 32223.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Huffingham family.