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Willie Stevenson Glanton J. D.

1922 - 2017

Willie Stevenson Glanton J. D. obituary, 1922-2017, Des Moines, IA

BORN

1922

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care - Des Moines

3500 Sixth Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa

Willie Glanton Obituary

Willie Stevenson Glanton, J.D.

Des Moines

Willie Stevenson Glanton, J.D., an attorney and civic leader, the daughter of the late Ervin Sullivan Stevenson and Willie Ever Parker, transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on July 6, 2017, at the age of 95.

Mrs. Glanton was a selfless trailblazer who fought tirelessly for women's rights, equality and social justice. She was the epitome of grace and strength. Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, she was taught to value education and civic responsibility by her father, who organized the Negro Civic League in Hot Springs, and her mother, a school teacher. By age 10, she had a strong desire to become a lawyer.

After completing her bachelor's degree in Business Education from Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College (now Tennessee State University) in Nashville, Mrs. Glanton earned her law degree from the Robert H. Terrell Law School in Washington, DC. There she met her husband, Luther T. Glanton, Jr., J.D., whom she married in 1951. She was the apple of his eye, and he knew she was the one the moment he laid his eyes on her. They shared a beautiful love and cared for one another until his passing. From this union, they gained a son, Luther T. Glanton, III.

Mrs. Glanton had unconditional love for son. They enjoyed going to church together, watching TV, having a quiet dinner and playing with Angus, their beloved dog. Those of us who loved her had to learn to love Angus, whose love was second only to Luther, III.

In 1953, after the couple moved to Des Moines, Iowa, Mrs. Glanton became the second African American woman to be admitted to the Iowa Bar Association. A pioneer in both the legal and political landscapes in Iowa, she was the first African American woman to become an Assistant County Attorney in Polk County.

Mrs. Glanton's impact on the community was evident in her dedicated involvement through various service organizations. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Glanton was a founding member of The Des Moines Chapter of the Links, Incorporated in 1957, and the Des Moines Chapter of Jack and Jill of America in November 1962. She was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, at Tennessee Agriculture & Industrial State College in 1939.

In 1964, she became the first African American woman elected to the Iowa General Assembly. After completing a term in the Iowa House, Mrs. Glanton continued to focus on civil rights and women's rights as a lawyer and equal opportunity advocate with the U.S. Small Business Administration, until her retirement in 1987.

While too many to list, Mrs. Glanton received a number of honors and awards for her leadership on boards, commissions, councils, in church, and other civic and community organizations. Among the many organizations that benefited from her leadership and service is Des Moines University (DMU). Mrs. Glanton took her husband's place on the Board, became its Chair in 1999, and served as a Board Member through 2012. In 2004, to honor the Glantons' leadership, service and commitment to justice and education, DMU established the Luther T. Glanton Jr. and Willie Stevenson Glanton Scholarship Fund.

Mrs. Glanton was soft-spoken, gracious and had a passion to "free up people" which has left an indelible mark on Iowa, and the many she mentored and "mothered" over the years. She enjoyed reading and keeping up with the latest news.

On July 6, 2017, Mrs. Glanton was called home to be with her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her husband, Judge Luther T. Glanton, Jr.; her parents, Ervin Sullivan and Willie Parker Stevenson; and her brothers, Junius M. Stevenson and Sullivan L. Stevenson.

She leaves to cherish her memories a son, Luther Glanton, III of Des Moines; a granddaughter, Angela Glanton, of Atlanta, GA; four great-grandchildren: Ashley Stevenson Hughes, Courtney Hughes, Marquonsa Daniels and Tommy Hughes, all of Atlanta, GA; a niece, Syeta Glanton, of Atlanta, GA; a nephew, Bobby Glanton Smith, of Los Angeles, CA; her "special daughters": the Honorable Romonda D. Belcher, Renee Hardman, Stephanie Netolicky, all of Des Moines , Dr. Musau Wakabongo of Auburn, CA, and Adrienne Windley, of Winterville, North Carolina; and a host of beloved friends she has greatly impacted over the years.

Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday July 14, 2017. Her wake will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 14, 2017, with tributes starting at 5:00 p.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The Celebration of Life will start at 11 a.m. on July 15, 2017, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., with burial at McLarens Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Memorial gifts in honor of Mrs. Glanton can be made to the DMU Glanton Scholarship Fund. Information is available at www.dmu.edu/glanton.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Jul. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Willie Glanton

Sponsored by Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care - Des Moines.

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Roxanne Conlin

July 1, 2020

She was a hero to all who knew her. So gracious but strong as steel. She broke many barriers always with skill and heart. I miss her every day. Roxanne Conlin

Jessica Palmer

July 29, 2017

It was an absolute pleasure to serve Ms Glanton. She is forever an inspiration to me.

July 14, 2017

Willie was the kindest, most thoughtful woman i have ever known. I first met her in 1964 when i invited her to a meeting of the Polk County Young Democrats. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act has just passed Congress. Some in the large audience were members of the White Citizens Council. I warned Willie and she reassured me that everything would be all right. After she explained the bill, she took questions and some were unbelievably offensive. She maintained her calm, charming demeanor and I am sure she won over some that night. We were fast friends from then on. When she decided to run for the legislature, she made me her manager. Neither of us really knew what we were doing. No one was more surprised she won then we were. She broke all kinds of barriers and always did so with humility and grace. Willie, I will always treasure our years together. May you rest in peace after a life of service. Roxanne Conlin.

Cheryl Bolden

July 14, 2017

I always thought she was so beautiful, almost like royalty, but it was the respect that she had of my family that keyed me that she was special and to be admired. As I grew older and saw her progress in stature by the world's standards, I realized that she was that role model that so many young women who looked like her needed. I always felt welcomed in her company and treasured her because she knew my grandmother so well. She was so proud of us all you could see that in her smile as she visited with you. I am touched that Father God put her in my path of life so that I could see His love and know how He wanted me to treat His children, like her, one by one.

Jack Hatch

July 14, 2017

Mrs. Glanton will be remembered for her gentle persuasion and kind advocacy. As a young legislator and activist, she guided me more than once. Lessons will taught and remembered. - Jack Hatch

Linda Lane

July 13, 2017

Mrs. Glanton was one of the wonderful role models in the Des Moines community for us as children and young adults, then as women out in the world ourselves. Gracious and strong, she was such an asset! Condolences to her family.

MaryAnn Spicer

July 12, 2017

Mrs. Glanton's unbridled passion nurtured so many in a quiet and genteel fashion that now and for years to come that spark will be embellished in someones conversation piece to remember to do the right thing without rewards.

A special friendship that is archived into my golden tea leaves wishing rest and tranquility.

MaryAnn Spicer

Pam and Frank Harrison

July 12, 2017

Willie and Luther were good friends of our family. She was an elegant and charming lady and will be missed by the entire Des Moines community.

Terry Braune

July 9, 2017

My mother spent time with her in the day discussing bussing etc , my mother appreciated e inspiration to the community and supported her, this was many years ago and my mother passed in the 70's your mother was an awesome inspiration to the community. Prayers for your family ( my mother was Pat Connolly)

Wanda Everage

July 8, 2017

Mrs. Willie Glanton was an outstanding mentor and friend. She encouraged me over the years and was a great supporter of young people throughout the city. I thank God for her presence in my life and will cherish memories I have of her. To God be the Glory. Wanda E. Everage

Robert Wright

July 7, 2017

She was a wonderful, loving, and intelligent woman. She will be greatly missed.

Bobby Glanton Smith

July 7, 2017

Rest in Peace, Aunt Willie. You are forever embedded in my spirit

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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Memorial Events
for Willie Glanton

Jul

14

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care - Des Moines

3500 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313

Jul

14

Wake

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

4114 Allison Ave., IA

Jul

15

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

4114 Allison Ave., IA

Funeral services provided by:

Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care - Des Moines

3500 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313

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