IVALENA GARDNER RACKLEY (Mamaw)

went to be with Jesus February 2, 2020. She was born April 29, 1923 to Melissa Maie Alsup Gardner and Reese Thomas Gardner in Limestone County, Ala.

Mamaw lived a full life and left a legacy of gratefulness and enthusiasm. Despite facing many obstacles that came from growing up during the Depression, Mamaw maintained a great sense of humor, was hardworking, caring, dependable, selfless and generous. She was a loving Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and loyal friend. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Little Rock and was blessed by the staff and many faithful friends there. In addition to her family, Mamaw enjoyed quilting and gardening. She had a good understanding of the concept of sowing seeds! The simple seed of stopping to talk, writing a note, playing a game, or making time for friends and family was very important to her. She was also an excellent hugger!

Ivalena is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, two sisters, son, Gary Rackley, grandson, Chris and great-granddaughter, Stephanie. She is survived by daughters, Julie Batchelder (Ted) of DeLand, Fla., Alyce Raley of Duck Springs, Ala., JoAnne Rush (Ben) of Little Rock, Ark., Kay Rackley (wife of Gary) of Hanford, Calif., six grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; nephew, Sonny Cumins of Van Buren, Mo.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. the chapel of Bennett May Funeral Home in Pulaski, Tenn. Burial following at Jackson Cemetery, Minor Hill, Tenn. Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Ivalena Gardner Rackley (MaMaw).