Deaconess Burnell Weatherspoon Ivory
“It is Well With My Soul”

Deaconess Burnell Weatherspoon Ivory, fondly known as “Nell,” was the youngest daughter of M.C. Weatherspoon and Addie Frazier Weatherspoon. She was born on December 14, 1954, in Madison, Florida. She, along with her siblings, grew up in the Plant Sub Community, a neighborhood where their extended family members and neighbors were concerned about each other’s well-being and who looked out for each other’s children. Together, they instilled core values of love of God, respect, and compassion. Nell remained a lifelong resident of this community.

Burnell grew up attending Pineland Missionary Baptist Church with her family. She professed her belief in Christ during her teen years and began her works for the Lord. Continuing her faithful service, she later involved her children in the church. Nell was a woman of conviction, dignity, and courage who walked by faith, not by sight.

Educated in the Madison County School District, Burnell was a 1972 graduate of Madison High School. Because of her interest in hair care, specifically straightening and styling hair/wigs, she enrolled in the North Florida Junior College Vocational Department where she earned her certification in Cosmetology.

One of Burnell’s endearing qualities was that she never met a stranger; she managed to connect with individuals of all ages and made them feel at ease with her. She was a humble servant of the people; this connected her with Big Bend Transit, her last employment position as a shuttle driver who transported passengers to their designated local and out-of-town appointments. She regarded this service as more of her personal ministry than a job. Not only did she drive for them, but she also had the opportunity to know them, have patience with them, and to spread rays of her sunshine with the warmth of her personality, even when the days were tiring and long.

Regardless of the endless hours at work, Burnell always made time for her pastime enjoyments – gardening, cleaning, shopping, and cooking, but most of all, spending quality time with her family.

Deaconess Burnell Weatherspoon Ivory lived a life of service to others. She knew that she could not do everything, but she could do her Father’s will. It was God’s Divine plan to grant her peace and eternal rest on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Well done, thy good and faithful servant!

Deaconess Burnell Weatherspoon Ivory unconditionally loved her family, valued her friends, and treasured life itself. She is now gone from her loved ones’ sight but never from their hearts, for earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Those who are left to cherish her precious and loving memory are faithful son: Rosoe Wilson III of Madison, FL; loving daughters: Latara (Floyd) Sharp of Bradenton, FL, Donnielle Ivory of Tallahassee, FL, and Shondelle (Iboro) Inyang of Crawfordville, FL; brothers: Jimmie Thompkins of Miami, FL, and Harry (Debra) Frazier of Madison, FL; sisters: Mamie Solomon and Alberta Weatherspoon, both of Madison, FL; grandchildren: Shanice, Jaylon, Kasmon, Nakilah, and Oluremi; great-grandchildren: Serenity, Joshua, Joshani, Kannon, and Zakai; special niece: Desma Nicholson; goddaughter: Becky Mapp of Madison, FL; along with many other sorrowing relatives, comforting friends, and consoling church family.

Preceding Deaconess Burnell Weatherspoon Ivory in death were her parents: M.C. Weatherspoon and Addie Frazier Weatherspoon; husband: Donnie Lee Ivory; brothers: Carter Thompkins, Timmie Thompkins, Leroy Weatherspoon, and George Weatherspoon; sister: Helen Weatherspoon Fayson; and grandsons: Don’Tavious Fead and Henry Fead III.