Ivy May Gilpin

Ivy May Gilpin was born on December 28, 1927, in Spanish Town, Jamaica to Ernest Lyew and Helen Williams. She grew up in Kingston where she would eventually meet and fall in love with Ernest Gilpin. They married in 1945 then moved to Harlem, New York as he completed his tour in WWII. She often spoke with admiration of her mother-in-law that taught her “how to boil water”. Ivy’s home and her table welcomed those in need of safe harbor, a warm bed or merely a good meal to friends and neighbors as she grew her family to include 4 precious children. Stories are still told of the amazing Jamaican dishes, desserts and laughter that could be found when Ivy May was home. She loved her people, her pets and her garden where her magical touch took nothing and transformed it into a beautiful landscape. Her faith defined her as God sustained her. She greeted everyone with hello and each exit she would quietly say, “God bless you”, She knew that the best thing she could send us off with was a blessing of the Lord! Ivy worked at the infamous Bellevue Hospital in New York City as an X-Ray Lab Supervisor, for over 35 years. Ivy and Ernest retired to Palm Coast, Florida to enjoy year-round sun! She later moved to Houston in 2011 where she would capture the hearts of everyone that she came in contact with until her final days! What an amazing legacy for the little Asian-Indian girl to be the matriarch of 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild. On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, she passed away peacefully at the age of 97, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loved ones in Richmond, Texas. Ivy was preceded in death by both parents, her husband of 54 years, Ernest Gilpin Sr., and daughter, Jacquelyn Butler. Affectionately known as “Memo,” Ivy exemplified the meaning of unconditional love, family, and forgiveness. She is survived by her brother Sonny, her children: Ernest Jr. (Lisa), Maxine, and Winston (Alicia). Her legacy will live on through her cherished grandchildren: Andre, Danielle, Brandon (Michelle), Kia (Kent), Quincy, Tanya, Paige, and Brittany, all of her great-grandchildren, a precious great -great grandchild, nieces and nephews! A Celebration of Ivy's Life will be held on Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Life Changer Community Church, 3115 N Fry Rd #407, Katy, TX 77449 with Pastor Kenyatta D. Simmons officiating and visitation with the family from 11:00 AM until service time. The graveside service will be held the following day, Wednesday afternoon, June 25, 2025, at 1:45 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. Today we joyfully and gratefully celebrate her life and her lasting impact on our lives. Her endearing faith and prayers have covered each of us she considered precious. She blessed us all with her unforgettable smile, laugh, and the sparkle in her eyes.

Ivy May Gilpin

December 28, 1927 - June 10, 2025