Lillie Beatrice Cruz

Lillie Beatrice Cruz was born August 22, 1943 to Leonard Lewis Sr. and Oliva (Steward) Lewis in Labadieville, LA. She attended Labadieville Elementary School and W.H. Reed High School in Napoleonville, LA. She then received her B.S. in Dietary Education from Southern University and interned at the University of Houston.

Lillie moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1966 and started a family. As a strong believer in education, she continued her education by obtaining her Masters Degree from Drake University in Des Moines, IA. She began her career as a dietary aide and consultant, working at Methodist Hospital and insurance companies. She later became an elementary and high school teacher for the Des Moines Public School System. She retired after 20+ years of teaching.

Lillie Bea, as she was affectionately known, was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses in Nevada, IA and devoted her life to field service and bible study. She enjoyed traveling, especially by car, reading, and southern cooking. Her red beans and rice, gumbo, etouffee and chocolate cake will be greatly missed. On a visit to North Carolina, she fell in love with the state and made it her home for 10 years. Her love for teaching led her back into the High Point Public School System as a substitute teacher for several years. Despite being an independent person and traveling to many states, she always had time and room in her heart for her family, which she loved dearly. Her faith and service to Jehovah never wavered. "All who knew her, knew about her love and faith in Jehovah God." With longing to be closer to her children and grandchildren she moved to Ames, Iowa.

Lillie Bea passed away March 9, 2021 in Ames, IA at Israel House Hospice. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Lewis Sr. and Oliva S. Lewis; her brother, Joseph Lewis and sister, Barbara Ann Lucas.

Lillie Bea is survived by her children, Robert R. Goods (Rebecca), Stephanie R. Goods and Michelle Mclachlan; brother, Leonard Lewis Jr.; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

A Zoom Memorial will be held on March 20, 2021 at 1:30 pm.

*CDC guidelines will be followed with masks required during the Memorial Service. Up to 50 individuals will be able to attend the Memorial Service in observance of Social Distancing.Memorial Service









Saturday, March 20, 2021

Starts at 1:30pm









Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church