Ivanell Ezell Kemper passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2021 at the age of 81. Having spent almost all of her life in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Ivanell resided the last 6 years of her life in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona near her stepson Ray Kemper.
Ivanell was born March 6th, 1940 in Lawrenceburg, TN, to the late Hershel L Ezell and Eugenia Lance Ezell.
In her youth, Ivanell sang with the Ezell Quartet, founded by her father Herschel. Ivanell had a beautiful alto singing voice and sang in the New Prospect Methodist Church choir and later Coleman Memorial Methodist church choir. Christmas Contatas and concerts of Handel’s Messiah were her passion during the holiday season. The Hallelujah chorus was one of Ivanell’s favorite pieces to perform.
For many years, Ivanell worked at the local radio station WDXE and later became the bookkeeper at Lawrenceburg Communications, now Communications Services. As Phil Kemper sold his longtime business to son-in-law, Pete Bottoms, Ivanell and Phil enjoyed the retirement life.
Ivanell met Philip J. Kemper while working at the radio station and in November of 1967 were married. Ivanell became step-mother to three children under the age of 8 who had recently lost their mother. What an undertaking that must have been. Phil and Ivanell later had one son together as well.
Ivanell was an accomplished artist, writer, seamstress, quilter and a fine cook. Writing was also a passion and she was in charge of the newsletter at Coleman Methodist church for a number of years, as well as wrote a weekly column, “Did I Say That! Pinned by Ima Little Cenile” in one of the local newspapers, The Lawrence County Advocate. Ivanell was also instrumental in planning many class reunions for the Class of 1958, something she greatly enjoyed planning and attending.
Ivanell is survived by son Ray Kemper, Phoenix, AZ; daughter Shari Kemper Bacurin, Evansville, IN; as well as son Lyle Kemper (wife Cindy) in Houston, Texas. Ivanell also had seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Philip J. Kemper, parents Herschel and Eugenia, sister Martha Ellen Lamar, brother Layne Ezell and daughter Michelle Kemper Bottoms.
Due to the pandemic, the family will have a private ceremony and request any donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
Kevin and Connie Kidd
So sorry to hear about Ivanell’s passing. She was a great friend and always the highlight of our days at Lawrenceburg Communications.
Van and Nancy Hulen
I grew up with and went to church with Ivanell and her family for years. Have missed seeing her for several years. She was a sweet lady. Thank you Ray for so faithfully seeing to her care ,
Juanita Webb
We are so sorry to hear of Ivanell’s passing. We all loved her. Our deepest sympathy, the Webb family
Sally Hughes Coultas
Shari, Ray, and Lyle,
I am so sorry to hear of Ivanell’s passing. So many of my great childhood memories involve your family. Prayers for you all.
Darlene Calligan
We took many trips to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee as kids. Our dad, Tulla Lance, was Ivanell’s mother’s brother. We loved Aunt Genie, Uncle Hershel, Martha Ellen, Ivanell & Layne. There is a definition of the word “class”, & Ivanell is the definition. I am 69 now, & my sister Carol is 70. But our memories of Ivanell would never dull with age. I do have a few pictures of Ivanell & would be happy to email them, or send in regular mail. Actually, a relative of mine ( not related to them ) had emailed me a census which listed Eugenia and Hershel, prior to their marriage. Best wishes & prayers to you. Sincerely, Darlene Calligan, Moraine, Ohio.