Ida Mims

Ida Mims, 88, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Wesley Life in Des Moines, surrounded by her loving family. Her visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Union Baptist Church in Des Moines. Immediately following her visitation her funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Alex Hanna officiating. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines.

She was born in Arkansas to Benjamin and Doretha (Johnson) Daniels. Ida grew up in Arkansas and attended school there. Following school, she followed her parents to Denver, Colorado and then Davenport, Iowa. While in Davenport she worked as the head cook at the Woolsworth Pharmacy and Dinner, and everyone raved about her cooking. She relocated back to Denver and worked as a bus driver’s aide for many years. Ida was very active in the Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Denver where she served as the Usher Board President, bible study teacher, sang in the choir, and as a district usher. In 2015, she relocated to Des Moines and joined Union Baptist Church where she served on the Mother’s Board. 

Ida had a talent for taking any food and making delicious meals. She is best known for her famous corn meal and lemon icebox pies. Home cooked meals with her family were her favorite times

She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed helping to raise Adaryll, travelling, bowling, cooking, watching football and basketball, cheering on her teams the Denver Broncos, the Pittsburg Steelers, the Golden State Warriors and the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Those left to cherish her loving memories are her children Phyllis Allen-Morris, Beverly Ellis-Cooper, Frederick “Bubba” Green, and Garry Ellis; grandchildren Adaryll Allen-Davis, Dawaune (Ashley) Ellis, Nicole Marie Carter, Jeneta Banks, and Nicole (Joseph) Paulsen; 7 great grandchildren; brother Ben Daniels; sister Minette Berry; aunts Essie Warren and Mae Smith; niece Renee Devine; nephews Ray Lomas III and Rory (Barb) Lomas; host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Her family would like to thank Urbandale Healthcare, Wesley Life, Care-providers, and ALL nurses that took GREAT care of our Loved one. She called you all her “grandchildren” as well. 

Ida was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lovella Brown, and sons-in-law Nathaniel Morris and Tony Cooper. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Ida and her family.