Ida Belle Lockridge

Our mother, Ida Bell Lockridge, was born on June 20, 1923 on a farm in rural Eufaula, OK, to Joseph and Johanna (OBannon) Steward.

She came to Des Moines, IA as a young lady in her late teens with her sisters and baby brother, Joe.

Mom started her early years of education in Eufaula with further studies at Des Moines Area Community College. She then earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education at Drake University.

Before earning her degree she worked in several different positions. She spent the majority of those years at the Fountain Room at the Savory Hotel and working as the house mother at the Alpha Phi Incorporated Sorority House on Drake University Campus. She served final employment years insuring care and education of the very young children here in the city of Des Moines. After retiring, her love and service to children continued as she volunteered reading to students at Monroe Elementary School as a foster grandparent.

Mom came to know the Lord at an early age. We share fond memories of attending Macedonia Baptist Church as a family. We then continued our spiritual journey at Union Baptist Church, where mom served on the Mothers Board.

Our mother passed away on August 20, 2021. She was preceded in death by both parents; brothers, Daniel Law and Joe Steward; sisters, Juanita Hall and Mae Ola Steward; sons, Stanley Graves and Larry Steward; daughters, Linda White and Cecila Carter and grand daughter, Regina Taylor.

We the current generations and those following us will be reminded of her when we see a lady bug. These generations include but are not limited to her remaining children, Donnie Steward, Rochelle Long, Jerome Steward and Tyrone (Annie) Steward; daughter-in-law, Faye Steward; close personal friend, Vickie Williams; grandchildren, Michelle Picou, Denys Coates, Deann Newkirk, Carla Mingo, Anjella White, Robert Carter, Corey Steward, Bobby Burke, Robert Taylor, Jarrett Steward, Angela Young and Alisha Steward.