Patricia Wynn Ivy

Patricia (Pattie) Wynn Ivy joined the Church triumphant on September 3rd, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Swanton Ivy, Jr.

A tireless community and civic volunteer, Pattie worked on a myriad of community projects in the Oconee and Clarke County area. Her life could be summed up in 4 words – Service, Education, Faith and Family.

One of her favorite expressions was “You need to bloom where you are planted” and that she did.

A friend said of Pattie, “She was a lady, a laborer in the vineyards and a volunteer to end all volunteers”

Service - She was a member of the Oconee County Bicentennial-Centennial Committee, the Oconee County Heritage Foundation and the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce.

Her dynamic leadership in the mid-70’s led to the building and later expansion of the new Oconee County Library. She spearheaded fund-raising efforts to raise over $160,000 for the construction of the library. This fund raising included the beginning of the Oconee County Fall Festival, a County Cookbook and County Maps. An avid reader, it was not uncommon for her to read 2-3 books in a weekend. Pattie felt that everyone should have access to books. She was a member of the Clarke County Library Board and member and past Chairman of the Oconee County Library Board. In 1975, she was appointed to the State Advisory Council for Library Services. 

She was also a member of the Northeast Georgia Planning and Development Commission. She also served as a member of Board of Trustees of the Atlanta Area Presbyterian Homes.

In the early 90’s, she served with distinction on the committee to build the new Oconee County Civic Center.

Pattie found time to be a local Real Estate Broker and headed a successful Real Estate firm with her son John for over 30 years.

Education – Pattie graduated from Hapeville High in Hapeville, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1959 with a B.A. in English. She was Valedictorian of the University in 1959. She was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. Pattie was a long-time member of the Board of Trustees of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap, Georgia. Also, a member of the Parents Club and Booster Club of Athens Academy. She believed that education was the key to success in life. She did not hesitate to let her sons know when she felt they could be making more effort in their schoolwork.

Faith: A member of Friendship Presbyterian Church since 1957, she was the librarian and historian of the congregation. She served as an Elder many times. In the 70’s, Pattie served on the Coordinating Committee of the Synod of the Southeast. Many committees and women’s groups enjoyed her participation and support. A strong faith was the cornerstone of her life and Friendship Presbyterian Church was the center of that faith.

Family: At the University of Georgia, she met the love of her life, Swanton Ivy. They were married in 1957 and lived in Oconee County. Though newly wed, she was determined to get her degree. The University of Georgia named her Valedictorian of 1959. She often chuckled when recounting the headline in the local paper that day “Housewife is Valedictorian”. In 1960, a son, John Swanton Ivy III came along, followed by another son two years later, David Wynn Ivy.

They lived in the Friendship Community and enjoyed an idyllic life in the 60’s and 70’’s. A highlight was always a trip to the beach every summer. Pattie loved to be around her family, her sister and her family and extended family and friends. She and Swanton adored being around their four grandchildren and spent time with them often. After retiring, Pattie and Swanton enjoyed traveling throughout the country and abroad. Ireland was a favorite spot for them to visit. But the lure of the beach called to them time and again and they enjoyed many hours by the water.

Pattie truly loved her family and her happiest times were when she would stay up to all hours sitting and talking with her children and grandchildren.

4 words – Service, Education, Faith and Family - a life well lived – that was Pattie Wynn Ivy.

Pattie Wynn Ivy was born March 5, 1937 in Hapeville, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Swanton Ivy, Jr., her parents, Pearl Blankenship Wynn and Herman Fletcher Wynn. Also, by a sister Virginia Wynn Jones Hall and brother Herman Lewis Wynn, sister in law Anne Ivy Howell and niece Lynn Van Buren.

She is survived by her two sons, John Swanton Ivy, III (Holly) and David Wynn Ivy (Amy), four grandchildren, Austin Knox Ivy, Benjamin Coday Ivy, Wynn Elizabeth Ivy and Margaret Swanton Ivy and four nephews.

The family will have a time for visitation Saturday, September 14th, 2024 from 12-2PM followed by a Celebration of Life at 2PM at Friendship Presbyterian Church, 8531 Macon Highway, Athens, Georgia, 30606.

In lieu of flowers please direct gifts to the Accessibility Project Fund at Friendship Presbyterian Church. Pattie was a strong advocate to make buildings more accessible.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com