Vonda Jean Newton, 65, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care. Vonda's Homegoing Celebration will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church in Des Moines, with Reverend Pierce Harper Sr. officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Vonda was born on June 17, 1961, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Charles Taylor and Shermelene Newton. She was raised in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1979. Shortly after graduation, she welcomed her daughter, whom she lovingly raised in Des Moines before relocating to Dallas, Texas, in 1987.

Throughout her career, Vonda worked in the mortgage industry for several companies. In 2004, she married Theodore "Teddy" Frazier. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, she returned to Des Moines, where she remained close to family and friends.

A faithful member of St. Paul AME Church, Vonda found strength in her faith and church community.

Family was at the center of Vonda's life. She treasured every moment spent with her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as "Gigi." She also enjoyed crafting, decorating, spending time with family and friends, and expressing her vibrant personality through her impeccable sense of style. Her warmth, kindness, and loving spirit touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved daughter, Vashara Newton-Weber; her grandchildren, Moneisha, Jatayla, and Tre'shon; her great-grandchildren, Ayden, Kayden, Jalayina, Evan, Mylah, and Variyla; her sisters, Nikki and Dorothy Taylor; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Vonda's family.