Iva Mae Burkett

Iva Mae Smith (Burkett) was born on November 1, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, to the parentage of Edwin D. Smith and Catherine M. (Ligon) Smith.

Iva received her education in the Des Moines public school system and graduated in 1971 from North Des Moines High School where she was a proud Polar Bear Cheerleader. After graduation she attended AIB business college and later studied at Upper Iowa University where she secured her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Services.

She was employed by Preferred Risk until her desire to help people led her to work for OSACS, a prominent inner-city, human service organization and women’s shelter. Years later, she accepted a position with The Department of Human Services with the State of Iowa until retirement in 2016. After retirement, she continued to work part-time at YSS Emergency Shelter for youths and families.

Iva was an active member of the I.B.P.O.E. of W Rose Temple #33 for years. She served in more than one capacity during her tenure, including Door Keeper, Purple Cross Nurses, Financial Secretary for Education, Grand Deputy Directress for Fire and Safety, Recording Secretary for Council, Grand District Deputy for 12 years and her most recent service being P.G.D.R. (Past Granddaughter Ruler), before becoming a Lifetime Member of Rose Temple #33.

She had also been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Iva met the love of her life when she met Michael Burkett in May of 1996. Six months to the day, on her 44th Birthday they exchanged vows and became husband and wife. Iva loved spending time with her family and friends. If somebody needed her help, she would make herself available. She enjoyed conversing with all types of people and never met a stranger. Anyone who knew Iva knew that she did not sugar coat anything when it came to saying what she felt needed to be said. She showed lots of support to her family and close friends and when it came to her grandkids, nieces, and nephews, she was their biggest fan and was immensely proud of all of them. Ever since she was a little girl Iva loved to read. Whenever she had time, you could find her with a book in hand. She also enjoyed talking on the phone for hours with her family. One of her favorite pastimes was watching movies/musicals (and yes… if it was a musical just know that she was going to sing along to every song). She enjoyed traveling, concerts, cooking and watching the Dallas Cowboys with her husband during football season. Iva also liked to write and had a passion for Spoken Word Poetry.

Our beloved Iva Mae Burkett departed this life peacefully on Saturday July 4, 2026, at the age of seventy-three.

She was preceded in death by her Grandparents, her father Edwin D. Smith, her mother Catherine M. (Smith)Alexander, and a daughter, Catherine Alecia Johnson.

Left to cherish her memory, is her loving husband of 30 years, Michael Burkett, her children, Shantell (John)Smith of Dallas, TX., Mikayla Johnson of Des Moines, IA. Her bonus children, Mary Burkett, of Las Vegas, NV., Jermaine (Kayla) Burkett of Des Moines, IA., Mikia Burkett of Independence, MO., Anthony Burkett (fiancé Sarah Garland) of Des Moines, IA., and Ashley Burkett of Des Moines, IA., her brother Luther (Donna) Smith of Des Moines, IA, her sister Venda (Ricardo)Trumbo of Dallas, TX., Fifteen Grandchildren, 1 great grand (womb) and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Prior to the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service, there will be a public viewing starting at 10:00a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church, 615 SE 15th Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Iva will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery following the services.

There will be a Repass held at Hawkeye Elks Lodge 160 Rose Temple #33

Condolences may be expressed at: www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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