Joy Cummings

I passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by my family on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the age of 99.

I was the oldest of nine children, born September 2, 1925 to F. L. Roy Crowell and Nina J. Sloan Crowell on a farm six miles northwest Shannon City, Iowa.

I attended school through the 9th grade at Shannon City and graduated from Cromwell High School in 1943. I attended American Institute of Business (AIB) on basketball scholarship in Des Moines, Iowa.

I was a three time All American AAU basketball player in the US and high scorer, 89 points in a national AAU tournament. I was inducted into the Iowa Girls High School Hall of Fame in 1963.

Daryl and I met and had our first date on August 17,1944. We were married on March 26,1948 at the Little Brown Church in the Vail in Nashua, Iowa. We were blessed with a daughter, Darrylinn and son Mark.

I retired from Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa in September, 1987 after many years of service.

Doreen Olson and I were instrumental in getting girls sports back in the Saydel Consolidated School District in 1970 after it had been discontinued for several years. We raised money within the Community to buy girls basketball uniforms for the fall of 1970.

Men’s and women’s college basketball season was my favorite time of year. The NCAA tournaments were the highlight. I watched sports as much as possible.

I was a Lifetime Member of VFW Post 9662 Boline-Manfredi Auxilary, the third auxiliary president, member of the Eastern Star and Union Park United Methodist Church.

I am survived by my daughter Darrylinn Cummings and son Mark Cummings; four grandchildren, who I am extremely proud of, Scott (Jennifer) Fales, Lauren (Andrew) Larson, Leah Cummings, Nathan (Emily) Cummings; eight great-grandchildren who are the light and joy of my life, Lynleigh, Lola Joy, and Gunner Fales, Cael and Ava Larson, Aubrey, Paisley Joy and Blakely Cummings and my sister Ramona Ward.

I was preceded in death by my parents, siblings John Crowell, Russell Gene Crowell, Dorothy Brooks, Donella Lint, Don Crowell, Nathan Crowell, and infant brother Ronald.

We, her family, would like to thank Hospice of the Midwest, Shawn, Pam, Amanda, Jami, Jenna, Mike, Victoria and everyone who cared for Mom, loved her and us, gave us comfort and allowed Mom to pass with compassion and dignity. There are not enough words to tell you how wonderful, patient, and compassionate all of you were during our time of loss.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 17, 2024 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Funeral services will be Monday, November 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, 524 NW 54th Avenue in Des Moines. Following the burial, please join us to celebrate Mom and Dad’s life at VFW Post 9662, 1309 NE 66th Avenue in Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50316; VFW 9662 Auxiliary, 1309 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313; Sleep in Heavenly Peace, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MFJUCHSVGRGEG; Easter Seals 401 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313 or a charity of your choice.

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