Mrs. Ava Gray Rice Ivey, age 78, of Lumberton, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at her residence. She was born in Robeson County on November 9, 1933 to the late J.V. Rice and Cornelia Stephens Rice.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Ivey.

Mrs. Ivey is survived by three sons, Charles Ivey of Lumberton,NC, Mike Ivey and wife, Kim of Las Vegas, NV and Marty Ivey and wife, Sherrie of Broadway, NC; three daughters, Brenda Pittman of Lumberton, NC, Robin Gortman and husband, Randy of Southport, NC and Teal Pittman of Lumberton, NC; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren and her extended family, John, Kelly, Morgan and Conner Haskins and Geraldine Baxley.

The family will receive friends at the home of Teal Pittman, 1112 Cherokee Street, Lumberton.

A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 2:00PM at New Hollywood Cemetery in Lumberton.