Donald Shaw Ivy

Donald Shaw Ivy was born March 31st, 1976 in Albany, New York, to the late Carletta Johnson Smikle and Donald Ivy, Sr. Donald, who was known for his quiet demeanor, calm attitude and humble personality was affectionately known by his friends as Dontay; and intimately known to his family as "Wobi Jobi." Dontay spent most of his childhood with his sister Aneisha, cousin Celeste (Let) and cousin/best friend, Chamberlain. Dontay was also very close with his younger brother Anwar. Dontay loved playing whiffle ball or two hand touch football. It was at the West End Little League in Arbor Hill that Dontay had his first glimps of athletic talent when he won Home Run king hitting four home runs in one season. Dontay transformed, from a happy, chubby, snotty-nosed kid to a phenomenal young athlete with focus and purpose. When the West End Little League closed Dontay continued to pursue advancement in athletics and would travel by foot all the way across town to Whitehall Little League. Dontay could play any position and his trophys began to stack up. Almost every year he won either MVP, or Home Run king honors. One memorable banquet Dontay was awarded so many trophies he couldn't carry them and had to make two trips to get them in the house. Dontay's appetite expanded from Little League baseball to basketball and football. He played for the Albany Maulers football team and stepped up his hoop game; attending the Five Star Basketball Camp over the summer. At this point Dontay's foot speed and quickness became apparent and his new nickname "D-Nice" began to stick. Dontay was always "playing up" as he was usually one of the youngest on his teams. Dontay took his basketball everywhere he went; spending countless hours doing his basketball "Daily Dozens" at the "New Courts." Dontay attended Albany High school where he started as a three sports athlete in varsity baseball, football and basketball teams. Under the coaching of Albany High's Paul Lyons, Dontay started as point guard on a championship team known as the "Killer Dee's" because all five starters first names began with the letter "D." Dontay transferred to Redemption Christian Academy where graduated and was a student athlete. After graduating from high school, Dontay joined the U.S. Navy. Upon returning home he enrolled in Virginia State University taking full advantage of his "Dreamers" scholarship graduating with a bachelors degree in Business. Dontay leaves to celebrate his life his son Isaiah Ivy, sister Aneisha Johnson, brother Anwar Smikle, sister Kimberly Ivy, grandmother Annie Mae Williamson, aunt Celinda Okwuosa, uncle Larry Johnson, the mother of his son Susan Barlette, all of Albany. He is also celebrated by a host of cousins, great aunts and uncles and friends.
Calling hours will be held from 11 AM to 12 PM on Monday, April 13, 2015 at Greater St. John's COGIC, 74 Fourth Ave., Albany, NY 12202 with a funeral service to immediately follow at 12 PM at the church.
Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery, Albany.