Martha LaVonda Johnson was born on December 5, 1956 to Robert Piper and Barbara Johnson in Boyce, LA. She was educated in the local school district and graduated from A. Wettermark High School. LaVonda was blessed with two children whom she loved dearly, Daphanie and Danean. LaVonda spent her entire career working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. She worked tirelessly...
Mary Joan Bryant, 78, passed away April 5, 2015. In honoring the request of Mrs. Bryant, there will be no services held. Mrs. Mary Bryant was born on March 6, 1937 in Quincy, IL, the sixth of eight children born to Charles and Garnet (Davis) Webb. Mary obtained her education through the Quincy, IL Public School System. She graduated from...
Douglas Leroy Ashby Sr. was born in Des Moines, Iowa at Broadlawns Hospital on March 4th, 1951 to Vernon Beechum and Vida Mae Ashby. He grew up and was educated in the Des Moines Public School system. He was a graduate of Tech High School. A standout athlete, Douglas received award letters in both swimming and baseball. For 17 years,...
Sweet Baby Joella Sue Wantoe was born on February 22, 2015 to Paul Wantoe and Vanessa Lewis in Des Moines, IA. She was eager to meet her Mommy and Daddy and arrived 3 weeks early. Mommy and the world called her "Ella Bella", but to her Daddy she was "NuNu." Her big brother Jovan was her protector and favorite playmate,...
Donna Mae (Dameron) Watson-Blount was born on January 18, 1944 to Howel and Ollie (Fleetwood) Dameron in Des Moines, IA. She was educated in the Des Moines School District and graduated from Des Moines Technical High School. Donna was blessed with five children whom she loved dearly: Terri, Edward, Melvin, Donnettea and Joseph. Donna had an easy going spirit but...
Lynda (Powers) Walker-Webster entered into time in Des Moines, IA on February 18, 1945; the daughter of the late William David Powers and Emma Walker Warfield of Oskaloosa, IA. Lynda's infancy, education, religious, creative and formative years began in the small, southern Iowa town of Lovilia, Iowa under the guidance of her Great Grandmother, Amanda Johnson Walker. In 1956 she...
Dorothy Berniece (Buford) Jewett was born September 23, 1932 in the mining town of Buxton, Iowa. Bernice and her family moved to Des Moines when she was a little girl. Berniece was educated in the Des Moines Public School System where she graduated from East High School. After graduation, Berniece obtained employment at the Veteran's Hospital. Her on the job...
Shirley Mae Thomas Harper was born September 9, 1960 in Des Moines, Iowa; the first child of Artie M. (Lewis) and Henry F. Harper. Shirley advanced through the Des Moines Public School district where she finalized her education at Des Moines Technical High School. She worked a variety of jobs that included her taking care of the elderly. Shirley was...
Violet Marie Couch, daughter of Charles Raymond and Catherine Feuring, was born on January 16, 1920 in Nevinville, IA. She married Carl A. Couch on April 14, 1940. They made their home and raised their two children, Carlita and Michael, on the east side of Des Moines. Violet loved children and she began her teaching career in a one room...
Mrs Verna Joan Johnson passed away March 12, 2015. She was 81 years old. Verna was a long time waitress for several restaurants in the city. She was born at home on August 6, 1933 in Ogden, Iowa to Vernon 'Barney' Leichliter and Francis Dahlberg Leichliter. She attended Ogden High School where she played basket ball. Verna was married to...