LaVelda Richmond, was born November 15, 1933, to Robert and Velda Runyon Rowe of Iowa City, Iowa, accompanied by her identical twin LaVona Rowe. LaVelda attended Iowa City Schools, graduating from Iowa City High School in 1952. She attended the State University of Iowa from 1952 to 1957, Iowa City Business College for 1 year and Northwestern Memorial University for 1 year. On June 5 1976, LaVelda and LaVona married identical twin brothers Arthur and Alwin Richmond at the First Baptist Church in Iowa City. LaVelda was a news photographer for the Chicago Daily News and retired from IBM in 1986. She lived in Iowa City, Chicago, IL and Aurora, IL before moving to North English in 2001. LaVelda was a member and Elder of the Presbyterian Church. She was a Sunday School teacher for 25 years. She was a member of many civic organizations, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and many twin clubs. LaVelda loved photography, traveling and farmers markets. She was known for her homemade Kolaches and breads. LaVelda went to be with Jesus on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at her home in North English, from complications of lung and brain cancer.
She is survived by her twin sister LaVona Richmond of North English; a sister Helen Jean (Dale) Heck of Iowa City, IA; a brother Robert (Elsie) Rowe of Davenport, IA; nieces and nephews: Pamela & Martin Jones, Deborah Simpson, David & Suzie Heck, Duane & Cindy Rowe and Steven Rowe. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arthur; an infant sister Clara LaVerna Rowe; and a brother-in-law Alwin Richmond.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 19, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Rev. Kip Murphy will officiate. Burial will be in the North English Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 6 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg on Sunday, October 18th. Memorials may be given to the family or the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.
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