Cainyona Gates-Thomas

Cainyona Gates-Thomas, 21 of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on May 31, 2024. 

Cainyona—Nevon Ikeshia Gates-Thomas was born on June 18, 2002 to Jeree’ Thomas and Cainan Gates III in Davenport, IA. She was educated and working towards getting her General Education Diploma. 

 Yonna was a beautiful child. She was always full of love, life and laughter. Yonna was a protector and a wonderful mother to her daughter Cerena. 

Cainyona had many jobs but when it came to the elderly, she had a heart full of passion. She loved to help people, especially the elderly. Yonna was always respectful to her elders. She was a good friend to those who knew her and always knew how to make you smile. Cainyona wanted to give her daughter the best that life could offer. She loved NANA so much. 

Cainyona passed away on May 31, 2024. She was preceded in death by her father, Cainnan Gates III; uncle, Shy Thomas and grandmother Gates. 

 Left to cherish Cainyona’s memories on earth are her daughter, Cerena Abraha; mother, Jeree Thomas; step-father, Jacory James; siblings, Cainnan IV, Caimere, Chorde, Elayah, Delonee, Shyzere; grandparents, Cheryl Thomas, Sandre Owens and Cannie II (Carolyn) Gates; great-grandmother, Shirley Miller; aunts, Elaimarie Kirk, Treva Owens, Tiffany Owens; uncles, Jimmy Kirk; several siblings she knew and many that she did not get the chance to meet; along with a host of extended family and friends.