Official Obituary of
Mother Iola Dees
February 9, 1932 ~ December 6, 2022 (age 90) 90 Years Old
Mother Iola Dees Obituary
Service will be live streamed starting at 10am on S. L. McLaughlin Funeral Home Facebook Page.
Iola Dees was called to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 6,
2022, at home surrounded by her loving family. Iola was born in
Melvin, Alabama on February 9 th, 1932, to Helen and Lucious Young.
Following the death of her mother, she relocated to Albany where
she was raised by her grandmother, Donna Young.
At the age of 22, she met and married Paul John Dees, the love of
her life. From this union they had eight children. Mother Dees was a
devoted member of Wilborn Temple First Church of God In Christ.
Her lifelong devotion to God and church was demonstrated by her
participation in various church auxiliaries. She served on the Usher
Board for 42 years, was President of the Young Women’s Christian
Council for 17 years and was among one of the first appointments to
the Mother’s Board under the leadership of Elder Emmet H. Jeffress.
Mother Dees touched so many lives and was a mother figure to
many who knew her. Her generous spirit to help anyone in need was
evident by her years of nurturing and compassion to family, friends,
and any spirit in need of uplifting. She also cared for and nurtured
the many young spirits that were entrusted to her care. Their
connections remained strong throughout the years. Iola enjoyed
cooking and hosting family and friends. She was well known for her
talent for baking which was evident by the constant requests for her
infamous cakes. Like everything else she touched, they were made
with love.
Iola was a humble, selfless, resourceful woman, whose quiet
strength was an inspiration to many. She genuinely loved people for
who they were and took every opportunity to call to offer words of
encouragement, support, and love.
Iola is predeceased by her sons, Melvin K. and Jonathan P. Dees;
siblings, Lucious Jr., Vernell, Lucie Mae, Willie Roy, and Eugene;
sister-in laws, Nora Lee Dees, Tillie M. Collier, Ruth Robinson;
brother-in laws, Robert, Turner, Willie James, Sarah, David and
George Dees; dear friends, Ada Kitchen and Willie Pearl Mosby.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband; the love of her life of 69
years, Paul John Dees; her brother, Pastor Solomon Dees; sisters,
Jerelene Dees, and Juanita Nabors; her loving children, Bonnie
Stickney, James Small (Ida), Darlene Dees, Donna Jean Straughter
(Stanley), Helen Marie Brockett, Kenneth Dees, Karen Dees, Paula
Dees; dear friends, Mother Geneva Conway, Mother Louretha
Davenport, and Mother Margaret McCann. Also cherishing her
memory are her loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces,
nephews, cousins, godchildren, and church family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mother Iola Dees, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
SaturdayDecember 17, 2022
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ
121 Jay Street
Albany, NY 12210
Funeral Service
SaturdayDecember 17, 2022
10:00 AM
Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ
121 Jay Street
Albany, NY 12210
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