After a life of love and quiet grace, Jonetta "Sue" Douglas of Des Moines, IA has passed.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped her story.
Jonetta held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.
Jonetta "Sue" Douglas, 68, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Des Moines. Her visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Hope+Elim Church in Des Moines from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Immediately following her visitation, her HomeGoing Celebration will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Dr. Brian Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.
Sue was born in Washington, D.C., on September 7, 1957, to John and Lillian (Robinson) Douglas. At the age of 3, her family relocated to Des Moines. Sue attended school in Des Moines, and at a young age, she excelled in basketball, volleyball, and bowling. While attending Tech High School, Sue began working at the library at the Iowa State Capitol for the summers. After graduation, she got hired full-time at the Iowa State Capitol Library and began working as a legislative law librarian. While working full-time, Sue attended DMACC and joined the Army Reserves. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from DMACC. Over her years with the State of Iowa, Sue had the opportunity to meet many important people, such as President Bill Clinton, Reverend Jessie Jackson, and almost all of the mainstream news anchors, as the Iowa State Capitol Library was the media hub for all Iowa national news events. She was well respected and a close friend to anyone who had the opportunity to meet her or work with her. She retired from the State of Iowa after more than 40 years of dedicated service.
Sue was very active, assisting with the Isiserettes for over 40 years, helping with women's bible study, women's group at Elpis Church, active with all ministries, Mt. Olive, and Choir Director. She also participated in the East Side Softball League and the Des Moines Volleyball League.
Sue was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Elim Christian Fellowship, Hope+Elim Church, and participated often with Elpis Christian Fellowship.
Sue loved spending time with her family, traveling, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, collecting Disney figurines, going on hikes, taking adventures like zip-lining in Las Vegas, shopping on QVC, collecting treasures, and spending time with her beloved dogs Buster and Max.
Aunt Sue was a ministry partner of Elpis Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Bishop Tammy L. Harris. Affectionately called "our quiet storm", she served faithfully with the Titus Women's Ministry, attended Biblical Empowerment, and during the pandemic, never missed an online Zoom Meeting!
Sue loved making Christmas cookies and Easter Baskets for all of her nieces and nephews from the oldest to youngest age didn't matter.
Those left to cherish her loving memory are her siblings Valerie Douglas-Burks and Thomas "Butch" (Victoria) Douglas; bonus sisters Shawna Burkett and Lelanie Burkett; nieces and nephews Tanya Douglas, Michael (Tiara) Douglas, Alicia Brooks, Kennedy Douglas, Dominique Douglas, Whitney Buchanan, and Devin Davidson; a host of great nieces, nephews, and cousins; Godchildren Josh Zigler and Ashanti Burkett; and many close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian; sister Leona "Cooki" Douglas; grandparents Parker Weston, Leona Harvey, and Thomas (Mitty) Douglas; and her fur babies, Buster and Max.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Isisarettes Drill and Drum Corps, 2124 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Sue and her family.
