January 5, 1936 – April 16, 2025
Vonnie Ivester went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, following a gradual decline in health. She was 89, and lived in Largo, Florida.
Born in Bainbridge, Georgia, on January 5, 1936, Vonnie was the third daughter of the late Cladis Martin Dollar and John Ruel Dollar. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant School in 1953. Vonnie married Leonard Ivester on May 29, 1955, and lived most of her life in Bainbridge, recently moving to Florida to be close to her daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Rob Smithers.
Vonnie had a deep faith in God, devotion to her family, and love for many friends throughout the years. She served many meals to countless friends, both near and far, and always with much laughter around the table. She had a servant’s heart and was happiest while meeting the needs of others through the act of service. She was a counselor at several summer youth camps and enjoyed working in the youth ministry at First Baptist, Bainbridge.
She had many jobs throughout her life: Link Trainer instructor for the USAF beginning in 1958 at the Bainbridge Air Base, working at Georgia Power, serving as a customer service representative at various banks in Bainbridge, and of course, wife and mother. Vonnie loved to sew and design clothes, which led to opening and managing her own clothing store.
Vonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Ivester, and her two sisters, Virginia Bolton and Vernice Hicks. She is survived by her daughter Jill (husband, Rob) and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held May 7, 2025, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Bainbridge, Georgia, with visitation to follow. She will be laid to rest privately in Oak City Cemetery at the Ivester family plot.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be given to Samaritan’s Purse or First Baptist Church of Bainbridge.
Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)
