Ella Ivey Marks

Ella Ivey Marks, 76, of Lynchburg, died on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. A loving wife and mother, a doting grandmother and a loyal friend, she touched the lives of everyone she met.

Ella was born on May 18, 1950, the daughter of the late Robert Kean Ivey Sr. and Putnam Mundy Ivey. She graduated from Seven Hills School and Sweet Briar College. After graduating, she taught at James River Day School and later worked as a designer and interior decorator at The Columns Interiors.

She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where she was active in the Flower Guild. She was previously involved with the Lynchburg Garden Club, the Junior League of Lynchburg and the Lynchburg Art Club.

Ella loved to be surrounded by family, especially at home for Christmas or at the beach, where she combed the shore with her grandchildren, looking for shells and sea glass. She also loved art and was a talented painter of bright, bold canvases.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Katharine Ann Ivey.

She is survived by her husband, David Neil Marks Sr.; brother Robert Kean Ivey Jr.; son David Neil Marks Jr. and his husband Doak Sergent; son Kean Ivey Marks and wife Paige; son William Mundy Marks and wife Maura; and seven grandchildren, Louisa and Oliver Marks-Sergent, Reed and Owen Marks, and Brendan, Vaughn and Ivey Marks.

Her family is grateful for the dear friends who offered their love and support throughout her illness. They also extend heartfelt appreciation to the teams at Centra and Forest Health and Rehab for their compassion and care.

A service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 2pm on Tuesday, September 29, with The Rev. Ben Cowgill officiating.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions, please consider St. John’s Episcopal Church, 200 Boston Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.