Roll Call Tribute

Carolyn Silvey Ivey 

February 9, 1950 - June 29, 2023 

Carolyn Ivey (née Silvey) of College Station, formerly of Minerva passed away June 29, 2023. Carolyn Silvey was born February 9, 1950, in Cameron, Texas to Betty Marie Silvey (née Davidson) and Frank LaDelle “Dell” Silvey, both of Minerva. She attended Rockdale High School and graduated in 1968. Carolyn married the love of her life Thomas “Tom” Neal Ivey, of Cameron, son of Henry Neal Ivey and Gilda Gwynne Ivey (née Wimberley), on December 27, 1971.

Carolyn was an avid animal lover known to adopt or care for numerous animals whether it was horses, dogs, cattle, or the occasional barn owl. She was a championship barrel racer and horsewoman with over 400 trophies to her name. She worked for Citizens Bank in Cameron and attended the First Baptist Church of Cameron until she moved to Bryan, Texas. She worked for Texas A&M University and was also a student while raising her three daughters alongside her husband. She loved being a fightin’ Texas Aggie but finished her degree at the University of Texas at Dallas due to a relocation for work. She went on to receive several graduate degrees from Amberton University while she worked for the University of Texas at Dallas in the Office of Sponsored Programs. She later moved to the University of Houston Downtown campus where she was the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs before retiring in 2015, with approximately 30 years of State University Administration.

In retirement Tom & Carolyn traveled heavily visiting most of the states in the United States and attending the Texas Rangers baseball games and spring training as season ticket holders. Carolyn also greatly enjoyed visiting her friends and family, but above all she loved being a wife, mother, and as of 2018 a grandmother. She and Tom enjoyed 51 wonderful years of marriage.

Carolyn was a natural mother and was completely adored by her three daughters, Kelly, Rebekah “Becky”, and Tommi. She was their stubborn, feisty redhead, very strong, loving, kind, understanding, beautiful hero, and best friend. Carolyn was very active in her daughters’ schools and became close with all their friends. She often had adventures with her girls going on spontaneous day trips, cross country road trips, or just going down a random road to read a historical marker. She had the best laugh and a smile that could light up a room. She never let anyone feel alone and she never met a stranger. Carolyn practically adopted everyone and became their second mother. She was often easily recognized by her scent alone as she wore a distinctive perfume that all those close to her knew.

As a grandmother she became overjoyed with a new little granddaughter. When she became ill in 2019 her granddaughter was a large motivating factor for her to become well and return home. An army of cousins, friends, her siblings, and in-laws visited her and helped her have the strength to fight to come home. She gained four more precious years with her family. She was a tough fighter. Life will not be the same without her here.

She is predeceased by: her parents, Betty and Frank LaDelle Silvey, her in-laws Henry and Gilda Ivey, her nephew Billy Joe Silvey, several aunts and uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by: Her Husband, Thomas Ivey '89, Daughters: Kelly Marie Ivey '07, Rebekah Renee Ivey '05, girlfriend Virginia, and Tommi Michelle Ivey '04, Granddaughter: Tommie Marie Ivey, Honorary Daughters: Victoria Malone (née Nottingham), Jennifer Minor (née Dyer), and Linda Salzar. Sister: Linda Diane Jenkins (née Silvey), husband Paul, Brother: Henry Dell Silvey, wife Debbie, Sister-in-Law: Rebekah “Gwen” Truxal (nee Ivey), husband Daniel, Nieces: Sabrina Silvey, Jennifer Talbot (nee Truxal), husband Lance, Nephew: Shane Silvey, Great Nieces: Alyssa and Briana Johnston, Great Nephews: Chase and Caden Silvey, Daniel Talbot. Great Great Niece: Serenity Smith, Aunts: Dorothy, Faye and JoAnn Davidson, numerous cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers: Harvey Weathers, Henry Owen Davidson, Lloyd Davidson, Lance Talbot, Deallen Gaston, Daniel Truxal, Cyler Davidson and Shane Silvey.

Honorary Pallbearers: W.T. and Henry Dell Silvey, Gilmer and Ronnie Gaston, Joe Bill Weathers, Ricky Joe, Kirkland, David, James, and John Davidson, Paul Jenkins, and Jerry Heitman.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale. Burial will follow in Minerva Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to:

Minerva Community Cemetery Association
Linda Jenkins
8525 County Road 306
Rockdale, TX 76567
or
Aggieland Humane Society
5359 Leonard Road
Bryan, Texas 77807