Elaine Ivey Shiver

Published 2:02 pm Thursday, January 9, 2025

Elaine Ivey Shiver, 85, of Bainbridge, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025. 

The memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Samantha Lightfoot and Rev. Chris Humphries officiating. Interment will follow at Oak City Cemetery with Ell Willis, Ben Cox, Steve Elrod, Dr. Adam de la Garza, Kendall Howard, and Edward Reynolds serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan Counseling Center of Southwest Georgia, PO Box 1276, Bainbridge, GA 39818. www.samaritancounselingswga.org

Elaine Ivey was born November 10, 1939, in Early County, GA, the daughter of John & Voleda Sheffield Ivey. She was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1958. In November 1958, Elaine married Wandell Shiver. She managed Liberty Loan Company in Downtown Bainbridge for a number of years and worked in sales for Fostoria Tiara Crystal Company. Elaine was a member of First Baptist Church but also active for a time at First Baptist in Tallahassee. 

Known as a friend to all, from the creek to the castle and sea to shining sea, Elaine rarely met a stranger even on her travels to Germany, Spain, London, and Acapulco to Alaska. She was “at large and in charge” and most of the time sought out for her leadership skills and convincing ways. Words never failed her, evidenced by her gift for gab and writing.

Elaine was a standout basketball player in high school and practiced with the boys to help them out. She was recruited by the Arkansas Red Heads, the women’s version of the Harlem Globetrotters. (Boy did they miss a treat by not signing her.) 

Elaine’s favorite place was Bainbridge, Georgia. She loved everything about Bainbridge and compared every place she visited to her hometown. Elaine spent her life serving her community holding offices with the Junior Women’s Club, the Bainbridge Country Club, the Hilda Byrd Sunday School Class, and the FSU Academy for Seniors. Some of her most memorable moments were spent with the Golden Girls Club (canasta) and Bridge Club.

Survivors include her children, Chris Shiver of Nashville, TN, Lori Shiver of Bainbridge, and John W. Shiver also of Nashville; her grandchildren, Jim and Amanda & Alex; her great-grandchildren, Jake, Gavin, Vann, and Behr; her niece & nephew, Teresa & Kevin Konecny and Dr. Adam de la Garza; her sister & brother-in-law, Dr. Carlos & Mrs. Barbara Jean de la Garza; and her sister, Mary Helen Fernandez. In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, J. Wandell Shiver, and her sisters, Barbara Marks and Victoria Kazmer.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)