A. Louise Mays

A. Louise Mays was born on June 2, 1914 in Atlanta, Georgia to Carrie Belle and George Washington Potts. She was the second of six children and is currently survived by her sisters, Carrie Brown and Daisy Burking, both of Indianapolis, Indiana.

On Monday, July 5, 2010, at age 96, her accomplished life ended after sharing her life with hundreds of students, friends, family and admirers. Louise was an extraordinary woman who made her own way in the world and helped everyone along the way.

Louise believed that education was the vehicle for responsible citizenship, professional success, enlightenment and growth. She wasn’t born into privileged society, did not have a benefactor guiding her education, yet, all on her own she:

* Graduated Crispus Attucks High School, Indianapolis, Indiana; National Honor Society
* Graduated Tuskegee Institute, Alabama; Magna Cum Laude
* Completed a Certificate of Medical Technology, Chicago, Illinois
* Earned a Master of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago

By example, Louise taught each of us that adversity does not build character; it reveals it. She knew there was purpose for her life and lived each day with resolve. Louise’s resume includes work from 1940 to 1981 serving:

* Herman Kiefer Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
* Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau, Washington, DC
* Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium, Chicago, Illinois
* Billings Hospital, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
* Manteno State Hospital, Manteno, Illinois
* Des Moines Child Guidance Center, Des Moines, Iowa
* Des Moines Hearing and Speech Center, Des Moines, Iowa
* Orchard Place Residential Treatment Center, Des Moines, Iowa
* Home School Worker, Des Moines Independent School District, Des Moines, Iowa
* The University of Iowa School of Social Work, Des Moines, Iowa
* Private Practice, Des Moines, Iowa

Louise was a skilled counselor. She loved children and made them a priority, yet, she provided universal consideration to the mothers of disturbed children, her college students, the colleagues with whom she worked, the friends with whom she socialized, and the people with whom she worshipped. She was the one to whom people turned for advocacy.

At age 46, Louise married Everett Mays and became the step-mother to Everett’s adult children, Evanette Luton, of Rockville, Maryland, and Everett Mays, Jr. of Lovelend, Colorado. Louise was married to Everett Mays for ten years.

Louise’s greatest skill was helping others, and her greatest joy was lasting friendships. Louise loved everyone at Wakonda Christian Church, and continually spoke of you by name.

There is a special place in our hearts saved just for memories. Hold Louise’s countenance, her voice, her touch, her love, in your hearts.

Her body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Wakonda Christian Church, 3938 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be used to purchase blanket warmers for Ramsey Village.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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