Gwendolyn “Gwen” Ivey Sapp

March 18, 1948 – May 14, 2026

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Ivey Sapp, age 78, of Fleming Island, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on May 14, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 18, 1948, in Palatka, Florida, Gwen was raised in Green Cove Springs, where she graduated from Clay High School in 1966, then attended St. Vincent’s Medical Center School of Nursing in Jacksonville. She earned her Diploma in Nursing in 1969 and later fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of North Florida in 1998. Throughout her life, Gwen was known for her unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, and deep devotion to her family and others.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Eleva Ivey; her sister, Carolyne Knowles; her niece, Julie Hodges Tate; and many other beloved family members who welcomed her into Heaven.

She shared nearly 57 beautiful years of marriage with the love of her life, Richard E. Sapp, Jr. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, service, and unconditional love.

Gwen was a devoted mother to her daughter, Christy Sapp Ferguson, and a beloved mother-in-law to Todd Ferguson. She was also a proud and loving Nona to Bradley, Nicholas, and Delaney Ferguson. In addition to her husband and daughter, she is survived by her brother, Tim Ivey; her sisters, Leanne Hodges and Melanie Nichols; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, loyalty, and loving heart.

Nursing was far more than a career for Gwen; it was her calling. She dedicated more than 40 years to caring for others, including 35 years in Labor and Delivery, where she compassionately welcomed countless babies into the world. Her gentle spirit, calming presence, and servant’s heart left a lasting impact on patients, coworkers, and everyone blessed to know her.

Gwen was also a gifted seamstress who lovingly created beautiful quilts and clothing for her family. She found great joy in caring for others and faithfully lived out the love of Christ each day. Whether through a quiet act of service, a comforting word, or the steadfast love she showed her family, Gwen reflected God’s grace in all she did. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, Nona, sister, aunt, and friend whose strength, grace, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those she has left behind.

A funeral service celebrating Gwen’s life will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Rev. James Peoples officiating.  Interment to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. The family will not have a visitation prior to the service. The family asks guests to wear pastel blues, pinks, greens, and purples.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight… to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7–8