Ivan Locker

Ivan Samson Locker was born on the beautiful Emerald Island of Montserrat, West Indies on August 19, 1938, to the late George Henry Locker and Sarah Louise Greenaway. He was the seventh son of nine children. Ivan's father and uncle Alfred "Freddy" Locker were ordained Elders of Ebenezer SDA Church, and his mother Sarah served as a Deaconess. Ivan and his siblings were very active in church and were regular attenders in Sabbath School and church services. Ivan was the only one of his siblings who was afforded a private SDA school education. He then went on to Trade Carpentry school and excelled. At a young age Ivan preached in his local church and served unofficially as Youth Pastor. It was during this period that he along with the pastoral leadership, extended the right hand of fellowship to 'Dorothy' (who would become his wife little did he know then) after her baptism as a young teenager. In 1960 Ivan along with his best friend Jim Ryan, boarded a ship (that was later referred to as "The Love Boat" by his children) bound for London, England--- a voyage that took sixteen days. During this time, the vessel made only two stops in Tenerife, Spain. As fate would have it, Dorothy was also on the same ship yet neither one knew it upon boarding. Ivan was mesmerized by the size of the ship and all the amenities that were available: food, electric irons, showers, entertainment, etc. Once settled in London, Ivan worked in several industries, including holding the title of Supervisor in a paint mixing factory. The following year Ivan and Dorothy were reacquainted, began courting and were married in 1962. Out of this union came four beautiful children. Brian, Hilary, Brenda, and Percy who was the only child that was born in Montserrat, W.I. The family immigrated to the United States in 1975 and settled in Rosedale, NY (now Springfield Gardens) and were members of the Springfield Gardens SDA Church (now Community Worship Center) where Ivan held numerous church offices. He played both piano and organ well and had a melodious bass voice as a choir member. Ivan worked for Russ Togs, Inc. as garment Supervisor from 1975 -1991 then he opted for early retirement. After a visit to see his beloved sister Margaret Ann Walters in Florida, he fell in love with the city of Ocala. So, in 1994, he and Dorothy purchased land and built their forever home a few doors away from Margaret. Enjoying the warmth of Florida, Ivan embarked on his own lawn care business until his health would no longer permit him to continue. Ivan was a member of the Silver Spring SDA Church (now Hope Springs) where he held many church offices and preached whenever invited to the pulpit. Ivan was well versed in the Scriptures and provided life and spiritual counsel to countless church and community members. In 2018, Ivan's health began to decrease but he remained faithful, positive, and encouraging. Having lost two of his children, Ivan still pressed on trusting his Lord. On Friday January 6, 2023, God saw his son's struggle and allowed him to take his final breath with his bride of sixty years and two children at his side. Ivan will be missed, and his memory will be cherished by: Dorothea Evelyn Locker (wife), Esau Fenton (son), Brian Leslie Locker (son), Hilary Mavis Locker (daughter-deceased), Brenda Tracey Locker (daughter), Percy Paul Locker (son-deceased), Toyin Maboye Ekundayo (grandson), Geneva Renet Locker (granddaughter), Brenae Joelle Bellard (granddaughter), Paul Matthew Locker (grandson) (Erica), Margaret Ann Walters (sister), John Locker (first cousin) and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, loved ones and friends.

Ivan Locker

August 24, 1938 - January 6, 2023