Mrs. Elizabeth Naylor

Elizabeth “Sibby” Naylor was born May 2, 1924, in Montgomery City, MO and departed this life on February 15, 2025. She was the daughter of Ben and Polly Windsor. From that union 5 daughters and 2 sons were born. Preceding her in death were her loving parents and all of her siblings.

It was in Montgomery City where the seeds of hard work and love of family were sown. She accepted Christ at an early age and always kept him first in her life. She was a devout bible reader and loved Gospel music. Later she moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she met and enjoyed a full life with James Naylor. They shared 60 years of wedded bliss and together raised her sons.

She was a hard worker, devoted Christian, caregiver and homemaker. After high school she held many working positions, she went to cosmetology school, was an alteration seamstress and was a nursing assistant at Veterans Hospital and several nursing homes. She also was a home day care provider and rental property owner.

She was truly a one-of-a-kind woman. Her love for family was evident in all of her relatives near and far. She had a smile a mile long and a heart as big and warm as the brightest sunset. Her laugh was infectious and she could make anyone smile. She loved to tell stories about her upbringing and enjoyed singing and praying. She spent many of her early and final days with her best friend/sister-in-law Charlene Washington affectionally known as “Shaq.”

Elizabeth loved spending time with family and friends, singing, listening to music, eating good food and reading the bible. She loved all her family and was proud of her grandchildren to the fullest. Even during her times of sickness, she remained positive and loving to all. She often quoted scriptures and gave thanks and praise for her life and Gods’ faithfulness.

She is now at rest with her devoted husband James Naylor, her parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters, her sons Robert Pate Sr. and Armell Pate Sr., grandson Armell Pate Jr., granddaughter Ellen Pate Henderson, and several other close family members. She leaves to cherish her memory her faithful, loving Grandson Robert Pate Jr., Grandson Edward Young of Des Moines, IA, Grandson Xavier Pate of Minneapolis, MN, Granddaughters, Chantell (Earl) of Chicago, IL, Ebony Cunningham of Minneapolis, MN, Leonthia Pate of Norfolk, VA and Elizabeth Pate of Jacksonville, FL, Sisters in Law Charlene Washington of Fort Dodge, IA, Mahalia Gruess of Freeport, IL, Louise Bender of Laurel, MS and Brother in Law George Naylor of Sioux City, IA, her dearest nephew Arvel Windsor, and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, and will be followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery.

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