On Friday, January 31st, 2014, Alzheimer's disease finally took our mother, Ivian Mize. The disease won by robbing her of the ability to perform even the most basic tasks and joys of life. We watched as our mom disappeared before us and her life being reduced only to memories. Mom slipped away from us without saying goodbye. And, when we tried to hold on tighter, it became evident that Alzheimer's would win.

We sincerely thank the amazing caregivers at Fork Mountain Adult Rest Home who tried to help her maintain her dignity. The heroes of this disease are the caregivers that lead a person to a peaceful ending.

One of 12 children, Ivian was born February 17, 1924, to Bill and Cora Clark, in Franklin County, VA.

In 1939 she married the love of her life, Darnice (DC) Mize. After 72 years of marriage, he passed away in 2012. She leaves her two children, Kenneth Mize and wife Irma, of Henry, Va., and Carlos Mize and wife, Jan of Yorktown, Va.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as extended family members.

More than just a mom, she will be remembered for her passion for life, spirit of adventure, taking country cooking to an art form, love of dancing, wizardry on a sewing machine, and the fact that a bucket of paint was not safe when she was around!

The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, and there will be a reception immediately following the graveside service in the Roselawn Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090, or, to McCabe Memorial Baptist Church, 107 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112.