Ivory Lee Mizell, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at home on January 14, 2022 at the age of 58 after a long fight with heart and kidney disease. Ivory was born in New York City on January 9th 1964. He was raised by his fiercely loving paternal grandmother, Thelma Harris (“Mama”) in Harlem, NY. At the age of 10, they relocated to Englewood, New Jersey. After graduating from Bergen Tech High School’s Commercial Baking Program, he embarked on a long and successful career in the restaurant industry. Ivory ultimately achieved his dream of building his own culinary business, Homecooking for You, and was recognized as a rising star in the 2011 Food Issue of NJ Monthly magazine.
Ivory was a loyal, loving, kind, patient and gentle soul who touched the lives of everyone who had the great fortune of knowing him. Despite being raised without a dad, he was the best father in the universe – nurturing each of his children with every fiber of his being. With the help of his grandmother, and later his wife Christine, he raised his older children – David, Ivorinne and Thelma in Englewood, NJ.
He met his wife Christine while working together at Noho Star Restaurant in NYC and they shared a beautiful relationship together for over 32 years. They were and will forever be best friends and soulmates. Their love for one another was palpable. They moved to Jackson, NJ in 2002 where they raised their youngest children, Izzy and Jackson.
Ivory is preceded in death by his “Mama” Thelma Harris and his father Ivory Mizell Sr. He is also preceded in death by his mother-in-law Susan “Mugga” Hartnett and his father-in-law Sterling Ferguson, with both of whom he shared a deep loving connection.
Ivory is survived by his wife, Christine, his five children Jackson, Izzy, Thelma, Ivorinne and David, his sisters Donna Lynn Bell and Chavon Polk, his mother Dorothy Faye Polk, his mother-in-law Carol Ferguson, his sister-in-laws Theresa Ferguson-Spruill, Ellen Ferguson, and Trephina Galloway, his brother-in-law Rufus Spruill, and his “hermano” Jose Alicea . He is also survived by his ten beautiful grandchildren – Damani, Tysheem, Tahliq, Amyr, Samari, Divine, Jasiah, Jahlani, Betzaida, and Xzanna – and a great grandson, Damani-Lazaar. He leaves behind his nieces and nephews Frederick, EJ, Erica, and Pria, who he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Ashley, Jasmine, Jordan, and Tyler, who he was especially close with. Lastly, he leaves behind many loving cousins, extended family, and close friends.
Ivory’s biggest passion was his family. Some of his other loves were cooking, listening to all types of music, dancing, and watching movies and sports (Go Jets, Mets, and Knicks!).
Please join us in celebrating Ivory’s life Saturday, January 22, 2022 at D’Elias Funeral Home on Route 70 and Vermont Avenue, in Lakewood NJ. There will be a private gathering for immediate family members from 12:00-1:00pm, followed by a public service from 1:00-4:00pm. The service is open to all whose lives were touched by Ivory or who wish to support the family. Masks are required. The service will also be livestreamed on Zoom, where the chat will be open for those who would like to leave messages for the family. The link is below to join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82507209685?pwd=Q2RQQWlPbFJPZSt4bkNtWHM1S0FIZz09
Please enter the following password to join: 123456
Immediately after the service please join us for a celebration of Ivory's life 4-8pm at the
Brick Elks Lodge #2151 located at 2493 Hooper Ave, Brick, NJ
Entrance is on the side with sign that says "Banquet Hall"
Ivory – we will forever miss your hugs, your smiles, your humor, your delicious meals, your calming presence, your beautiful spirit, your warmth, and your ability to connect so deeply with everyone who had the honor of knowing you.
"May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hands”
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to the GoFundMe linked below in honor of Ivory. The proceeds will assist in covering the higher-education costs of his youngest children, Izzy and Jackson.
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