Elder Joan Ivory

Joan Ivory was born on March 10, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Paul Ivory Jr. and Ruthie Mae Ivory. She was the middle child of a loving family of twelve and was preceded in death by siblings Gregory Ivory, Nathan Ivory and Paul Ivory. From her earliest years, Joan carried a heart for people—especially women, teens, and those who needed someone to remind them of their worth. From elementary school through high school, she attended Detroit Public Schools and received her high school diploma. She pursued studies in Social Work and Mental Health at Oakland Community College, where she excelled academically and maintained a 3.5 GPA, where she was two semesters shy of her degree. Her true education, however, came from the lives she touched and the communities she served. Joan dedicated her life to being a Women’s Empowerment Educator and Advocate, working in the fields of education, mentorship, and abuse prevention services. Her mission was simple but powerful: to help women and young people overcome abuse, discover their value, and step boldly into a brighter future. Joan’s spiritual journey was a defining thread of her life. In the 1980s, at the International Gospel Center under the late Apostle Charles O. Miles, she experienced deep transformation, learning the power of the altar, the strength of prayer, and the foundation of unwavering faith. She later served faithfully at Greater Garden of Prayer under the late Pastor Lawrence Garrett and spent many years supporting various ministries and leaders until their passing. In the 1990s, she devoted a decade of service to Redeemed Christian Fellowship Church under Bishop Alfonzo Smith, building bridges and impacting countless lives. Since 2003, Joan made her spiritual home at Bethesda Church – The House of Mercy in Detroit, under the leadership of Chief Apostle Eugene Smith. There, she was known as “the love you can count on.” She served faithfully on the Sunday School Board and walked in her calling as an Elder, pouring wisdom, compassion, and spiritual strength into everyone she encountered. She was a mother to many—by blood, by love, and by calling. Her favorite scripture, Job 13:15, reflected the strength of her walk: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” This was not just a verse she quoted—it was the way she lived. On June 15, 2026, at the age of 71, Joan Ivory peacefully transitioned from this life at Henry Ford Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. Though her earthly journey has ended, the impact of her life continues through the women she empowered, the ministries she strengthened, the family she nurtured, and the countless souls she lifted with her compassion. Joan was the proud mother of five children who she leaves to carry on her love and legacy - John Ivory, Klarisha Ivory, Montrece Ivory (Lawanda), Richard Patterson III (Zinia), and Quanita Minor (Lance). She leaves behind a beautiful and extensive legacy through her grandchildren: Javion Ivory, Jonishawa Ivory, Jadon Ivory, Jada Ivory, Jadelynn Ivory, Lachae Ivory, Sariah Jewell, Yazmine Ivory, Montrece Ivory Jr., Jamarion Ivory, Sabrianna Ivory, Gabriel Patterson, Isaac Patterson, Valicia Ann Minor, LaNicia Ann Minor, and LynKon Minor. Her legacy continues through her great grandchildren: Elijah Ivory, Autumn Ivory, and Angel Ivory (who is carried forever in our hearts). She is survived by her eight siblings Clarence Smith, Ruthie Ann Johnson (Clarence), Pauline Muckles (Emmett), Lydia Talley (Charles-deceased), Verna Loston(Berry), Phyllis Ivory, Miranda McDonald (Byron), Linda Taylor (Richard) and host of nieces, nephews, family and friends; each of whom shared in the rich tapestry of her life. Her legacy is one of faith, service, strength, and unwavering love. She lived with purpose, served with humility, and loved with her whole heart. And because of that, she will always be remembered.

Elder Joan Ivory

March 10, 1955 - June 15, 2026