Psalm 89:15
“Blessed are those who have I learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.”
(Trust God even when we are walking through the darkest valley, He has promised to be with us and to be the source of light throughout our lives.)
By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
November was a difficult month for so many as we lamented the passing of Kenneth “SeaDog” Ivory, who was loved and revered by an amazing family, close friends and myriad fraternity brothers of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Born on May 1, 1957, to parents Inez and Sam Ivory in Gainesville, Florida, Brother Ivory transitioned to be with his Heavenly Father on November 26, 2023. His father’s untimely death impacted him greatly as a precocious 10 year old, impressionable young man, but with the support of a loving mother and family, he persevered, determined to make his father proud. He attended Piper High School in Sunrise, Florida, where he excelled as a student-athlete, participating on the swimming and diving team and as a wide receiver on the junior varsity and varsity football teams . After graduating from Piper, he entered higher academia, enrolling in Florida A&M University in Tallahassee and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education . At FAMU he joined the famed “Marching 100”as a member of the flag core which presented numerous opportunities for travel throughout the United States and personal growth and development. Additionally, it was at the school located on the highest of seven hills where he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., via the Mighty Melodic Upsilon Psi Chapter, #7 on a line of scholarly brothers known as “The Devastatin 17.” Upon graduation, he returned to Fort Lauderdale where began his professional career as a teacher and coach in Broward County at Rogers Middle School and South Plantation High School. His unwavering commitment to Omega led to the local graduate chapter in Pompano, Eta Nu. He also had a great affinity for the brothers of Zeta Chi in Fort Lauderdale where the fraternity motto – Friendship is Essential to the Soul – was constantly exemplified.
He gave his life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as young man, following the example set by his dear mother Mrs. Inez Sims and stepfather Mr. Will Sims, both past musicians at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort. Lauderdale.
Brother Ivory’s infectious, gregarious personality touched all he came in contact with, including family members, former students and athletes, fraternity brothers and friends too numerous to name, many of whom became my friends because of him. His indelible impact and circle of influence made ours a better place, community and world, replete with loquacious frivolity, heartfelt laughter and infinite love.
Left to mourn his passing or better yet celebrate his life, home going and transition: his mother and stepfather, Mr. Howard and Mrs. Inez Drinks; daughter, Lotoya Bell (Anthony); grandchildren: Anthony, Jr., Aryah and Amari; brothers, Samuel Vernon Ivory and Vincent Sims (Sheronda) niece Angel and nephew Vincent, Jr.; devoted sister-in-law, Virginia Lawson ( Wendall); niece Ebony Banks ( Charles) children: C.J., Chase, Zahra, Christopher, and Caius; close friends James “Buddy” Brown, Bruce Bush, Curtis Haralson, and Robert “Two” Kelly ; and numerous other relatives, friends, and fraternity brothers.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
Be the first to comment