Rita Jean Ivy

Rita "Jean" Ivy, 77, of North Little Rock passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2015. She was born November 21, 1937 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Osborn and Ruby Gray Williams. She is survived by two daughters, Kandy Jean Ivy and Kelli Jean Ivy-Cross and her husband Stuart Cross; two granddaughters, Amber Ivy Nelson and Sarah Nicole Heinemann; sister, Dorothy Annette Duplissey; brother, Kenneth Dale Williams Sr., many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and her sweet little dog, Josie, who never left her side. She is predeceased by her loving husband, William L. Ivy, Jr., and an infant son, William Osborn Ivy. Jean was a retired pediatric registered nurse, who later worked as a school nurse. Some of her favorite things were reading, gardening, cooking, all things in nature, the ocean, fairies, Native American culture, and science fiction. She was a Christian woman who taught her family many great things, but especially to love and respect each other and the world around us. She was a "mama" to many, had a wonderful laugh, and a beautiful smile. She will be missed beyond measure by her family. Memorials may be made to Heifer Project, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 or ASPCA, 424 E 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m., Saturday, November 14 at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Urn burial will be in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery with her husband at a later date. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.