Rebecca Diane Ivey

Rebecca Diane Ivey, lovingly known as “Diane,” “Becky,” “Mama,” “Sister,” and “Nanny,” passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, with her daughter Jenny by her side. She was 79 years old.

Diane was born on October 10, 1946, in Magnolia, Mississippi, and attended South Pike School in Magnolia. Throughout her life, she touched countless hearts with her kindness, encouragement, and unwavering love for others. She had a gift for lifting people up with gracious words and a warm spirit, always making those around her feel valued and appreciated.

A faithful believer in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Diane lived her life grounded in faith and gratitude. She found joy in gospel music, reading, and cooking, but her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family. Her most treasured moments were spent at the ballpark, proudly watching her grandson Bradley—her pride and joy—play baseball.

Diane dedicated many years to her work, serving as a manager at Coleman’s Bar-B-Que, working at Bemis Cotton Mill, later managing Krystal, and eventually retiring from Walmart. She was known for her strong work ethic and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewitt Earl Yarbrough and Callie Barefield Yarbrough; her sister, Earline Byrd; her brothers, Edwin Yarbrough, Bobby Yarbrough, and Jimmy Yarbrough; and her step-sister, Nelda Faye Crouch.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughters, Donna Ivey Daniel (Tim) and Jennifer Ivey Gibson (Steve); her grandsons, Bradley Gibson (Lindsay), Jonathan, Justin, and Austin; her step-siblings, William “Bill” and Donna Sue Ivey, Ronney Ivey, Jackie and Charles Duffey, Roger and Sheila Ivey, Petrina and Mike Stewart; and her half-brother, Wayne and Joy Yarbrough. She also leaves behind many other precious family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Yarbrough, Roger Ivey, Ronney Ivey, Steve Gibson, Tim Daniel, and Bradley Gibson.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at George A. Smith and Sons in South Jackson, Tennessee. Funeral services will follow on Monday, April 27, at 1:00 p.m. with Brother George Scarbrough officiating. A committal service will be held at Ebenezer Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

Diane’s legacy of love, faith, and encouragement will live on in all who knew and loved her.