Elgie Grey Ivey

Wow…what a ride! Heaven will never be the same – in the most wonderful way! Our Mom has passed into God’s hands after living such a giving and loving existence. He must be so happy to welcome her, just as we are so sad to lose the most supportive and selfless human being we have been privileged to know.

Elgie was born to the late John Archie and Edith Catherine Parker on January 10, 1928, in Johnston County.

Elgie began her career in insurance in June 1950. Her roles have been Claims Manager, Office Manager, Customer Service Representative, and Personal Lines Supervisor & Manager. Mom served as local president of the Raleigh Association of Insurance Professionals (RAIP) and was the recipient of the “Outstanding Woman of the Year” award on three occasions. She also served as President of the North Carolina Association of Insurance Women (NCAIW) and was awarded the “Outstanding Woman of the Year” of the state association, as well as the “Miss Mutual” trophy for outstanding achievement by CAPIA. She has served on various local, state and regional committees. Her main involvement on a regional level was Education Chairman for two years. Elgie continually maintained her education through classes in her profession. Insurance to her was “never boring, and selling is the most enjoyable part of my job”. This was a proven theory based on the clients that moved their accounts when Elgie changed companies. She retired from Green & Wooten on December 31, 2007…10 days shy of her 80th birthday. Her retirement lasted approximately one year (in misery), and she went back to work part-time for another year and officially came off the rolls at 82 years young. She then volunteered at Rex Hospital for a year or more, with a physical job of changing beds for each new patient.

In addition to her parents, Mom was preceded in death by her husbands, Jesse Ivey and Larry Vance; brothers, Cleveland & Garland; sisters, Ethel, Alda, Eula, & Lila; son-in-law, Mike Kelsay; grandson, Jesse Johnson; and lifelong girlfriends, Jean, Geraldine, Mildred, Mabel, Maude & Rose.

Left to honor her legacy are her son, William Richard Ellington (Diana); daughters, Cathy Kelsay and Ronda (Richard) Johnson; grandchildren, Amy (Adrian) Schaller, Gray Kelsay, Trent (Katie) Johnson, Debbie (Jim) Dillard, Frankie (Lynn) Stellitano; great-grandchildren, Adam, Austin, Alex, Carlie, Heaven, Anna, Andie, Lily; and great-great grandchild, Violet.

A Memorial Service for Elgie was held Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 1:00pm at Renewal Garner Advent Christian Church, 1120 Vandora Springs Road, Garner, NC 27529. The visitation was prior to the service, beginning at 12:00pm in the fellowship hall.

In honor of our Mom, please do something nice for someone else when it’s least expected. It could be such a blessing as we often don’t know when others are suffering. Memorial donations may be directed to those close to her heart, Renewal Garner Advent Christian Church, Healing Transitions, Transitions LifeCare, or to the charity of your choice. Please note “Elgie Ivey Memoriam” with your donation, links to all three charities are below under 'Donations'.

She lived a full life, full of love. And she was loved – mightily.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Elgie or a message of condolence to her family, you may do so below within 'Add a Memory'.