Merrilyn Cobb Ivey

Merrilyn Cobb Ivey of Lake Blackshear, GA died peacefully May 29, 2025 at Crisp Regional Hospital with her three children by her side. A memorial service to honor her life will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 11:00 am at Warwick Methodist Church. Rev. Steve Purnell and grandson Chapman Cobb Ivey will officiate. Visitation with family will follow in the Church Social Hall.

Merrilyn was born on October 20, 1933 in Cordele, GA to Guy Taylor Cobb, Sr. and Florence Allen Cobb. She grew up in Cordele, graduating from Cordele High School. She attended Brenau College, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She fell in love and married Hugh Gaughf “Bludy” Ivey, Sr in 1952. They made their home in Albany, Georgia and later at Lake Blackshear. Merrilyn was the epitome of a gracious host and loving wife. She was an exemplary mother and the true definition of a lady. She had the ability to put anyone at ease. She enjoyed her life and always made the best of any circumstances she found herself in. Merrilyn was charming, witty, kind, and fun-loving. She was always busy with her active social life and her three children; traveling to swim meets, basketball games and football games. She loved to travel and was blessed to have seen many states and several countries. Known as “Melly” to her grandchildren, in her later years she delighted in attending their functions and sports activities. Merrilyn remained community-oriented throughout her life. She was a member of Warwick Methodist Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Melly and Bludy remained happily married for 49 years until his death. Merrilyn later married James Reginald Barry, Sr of Cordele, with whom she spent 17 happy years. They continued to enjoy a life of activity, travel, and family until his death.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Merrilyn was preceded in death by her brother, Guy Taylor Cobb, Jr, and her sister, Catherine Cobb Helms.

Left to mourn her loss but celebrate her amazing life include her children, Martha Catherine Ivey of Albany, GA, Hugh Gaughf “Bubba” Ivey, Jr and his wife, Cathy of Lake Blackshear, GA and Robert Lee Ivey and his wife, Tina of Bronwood, GA, her grandchildren, Leigh Ann Ivey of Atlanta, GA, Hugh Gaughf Ivey III (Alley) of Thomasville, GA, Chapman Cobb Ivey (Bekah) of Charlotte, NC, Mary Martha Ivey of Bronwood, GA, Robert Mathews Ivey of Birmingham, AL, Anna Catherine Ivey Shiflett (Dylan) of Griffin, GA and a great-grandchild, Sadie James Ivey.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Donna and Tommy Lewis, longtime caregivers. Special thanks to the staff at Crisp Regional Hospital ICU unit, Fellowship Cordelia Manor Assisted Living Community, and Crisp Regional Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Those desiring may make memorials in memory of Merrilyn to The American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839 or to The American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741., or the charity of their choice.