Esther Ivory

Esther Delores Ivory, 87, of Detroit, Michigan, transitioned on October 5, 2017, at St. John Hospital in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Born September 13, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to the proud parents of, Thaddeus Sanders Reed and Daisy Mae Dawson. She was the eldest of five children and the last surviving. Esther (also known as “Big D”, “Brown Sugar" & "Lady Gaga by her family and friends) was a trailblazer destined to defy the norm, for her time, by some of the most free spirited unconventional ways. In her formidable years, she attended Northern High School, in Detroit, Michigan, were she learned to sing and tap dance. She had aspirations of one day becoming a performer winning many local talent shows and such; always ready to cut up a rug whenever the spirit hit her. She opted to marry at 17 and began her remarkable journey, which many have said could be a made for television movie or at least the greatest American novel. Early on, in life, she worked as a housekeeper, traveling to Chicago, New York & New Jersey to care for others and to provide for her family back in Detroit. Moving on into a retail career, where she acquired her great sense of style, she faced many facets of racial challenges. More specifically, while working at Bonwit Tellers, in New York," as the first African American Sales Person, she was told "To cut off her hair because a Black Women should never ever have long hair”. Esther never backed down from a challenge but always found a way to conquer every obstacle with grace and dignity. She finally settled down, back in Detroit, to work two full time positions at Sears & The Post Office, where she worked until she was diagnosised with stomach cancer and had to retire in the 70's. Given only one year to live, by all of her doctors, she survived the 70's and made it to 2017. Once again defying the odds and conquering every obstacle with grace and dignity. Her greatest accomplishment, by far, would be the birth of 11 children Bernadette (preceded her in death), Bernadine, Bernard, Michael (preceded her in death), Mark, Alvin, Crezelle, Trina, Sean, Elizabeth and Darryl. Esther loved the CASINO, if you wanted to participate; you’d better get plenty of rest, for she would not leave before daybreak the next morning. Our Mother gave unselfishly, of everything she had or owned, to and for her children. Working day and night to provide for all of us, her community, and to anyone in need. You could always find a friend in Ms. Delores. Words cannot express the many Godly deeds our mother provided to all she knew. While she wasn't a religious woman, she performed miracles, in his name daily and for that we are thankful. Ms. Delores was truly a soldier of life, unwavering in her strength to live, love and laugh, but also to be a vessel for all in need. But don't get it twisted, get out of line and there will be repercussions and consequences that just might cost you your life. She will be remembered for decades to come, she will live through her children, her 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and her two great, great grandchildren forever more.