Luethel Copeland-Williams

Luethel Copeland-Williams received her wings at the age of 67 on October 30, 2025.

Luethel was born October 25, 1958, in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, to Frank and Mary (Cain) Copeland.

In 1990, Johnny and Luethel made the decision to move to Des Moines, Iowa, making it their home a place where they could continue building a life centered around family, love, and stability. They were high school sweethearts who shared a beautiful journey of love and partnership that would span more than fifty wonderful years. The two were married on July 19, 1980.

Luethel’s greatest accomplishment, however, was the values and teachings she instilled in her children. Lessons that prepared them for life and for this very day. Equally, her marriage to Johnny Williams, Sr., the father of all her children, and the life they built together, stood as a true testament to love and devotion.

Luethel was a vibrant, high-spirited woman, full of life and a deep love for travel. She was a talented cook, widely known for making the best potato salad in the Midwest truly, nobody made potato salad like she did. She had a remarkable passion for interior and fashion design, always adding her unique touch of elegance whether it was in her home, her children’s homes, an outfit, or a special gathering she brought beauty and creativity to everything she touched.

Luethel was also a proud member of the Russian Roulette Bad Girls Social Club, where her lively spirit and outgoing personality shone brightly. Above all, she was known for her enormous heart and generous nature. She always showed up for others, especially in their time of need, leaving a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Luethel’s love, strength, and compassion will continue to live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her children, Gisha Williams (Sean), Kenyarta Williams, Keyanna Williams (Michael), Nalgeree Williams (Troy), Ocheanna Williams, John Williams, Darius “Antron” Paige, and Walter Cortez; grandchildren, Timmesha, Corshala, Dajean, Quanya, Saleira, Keyauzjhae, Lonn’Tiay, Keyonn’Tae, Devionn’Tae, Lonnie Jr., Tahira, Javion, Jakari, Alejandro “Alex,” and Kesean (Eric); great-grandchildren, Asahd, Asyis, Lonnie Jr., Londyn-Rose, and Legend; siblings, Jannie Ruth Copeland, Larry Copeland, Jacqueline Johnson, and Ivan Johnson; bonus sibling, Claudia Calaway; sisters-in-law, Glinda Ann Hill (Roy), Ruthie Carter, Eunice Williams, Gracie Wilson, and Notre Wilson; as well as a host of other extended family and many friends.

Luethel was preceded in death by her Husband, Johnny; parents; grandchild, Nujaray Williams; and siblings, Mildred Copeland, Calvin Copeland, Brenda Copeland, Jimmy Johnson, Ira Johnson, Glenda Johnson, and Wanda Lee.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Capitol Hill Christian Church, 3322 E 25th Street, Des Moines, IA. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will be followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Luethel.

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