Willie Stevenson Glanton J. D.

1922 - 2017

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.