Des Moines, IA: Neoma Evelyn Wilcoxson, age 101, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at Wesley On Grand in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on May 9th, 1924, in Washington Center, Mo.
She is survived by her sons, Anthony and Sidney (Maria) Wilcoxson, eight grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren and preceded in death by her parents Cordie and Chester Westlake, husband Lavern Wilcoxson, son Steven Wilcoxson, daughter-in-law Linda Wilcoxson, and sister Norma Lee Gray.
Neoma lived a long and meaningful life marked by strength, resilience, and dedication to her family. That vigor for life, quiet fortitude, her handmade quilts and her sheer longevity are the legacies she leaves with those who knew and loved her. Neoma enjoyed time spent with her family, and could tell you exactly what each one of them, including the great grandchildren, were doing as they went through life at any given time. In addition to her family, Neoma was active in her social circles, playing cards and dominoes while also working in food services at Graceland College for 28 years.
It’s hard to leave others wanting more after 101 years, but somehow Neoma pulled it off. She will be missed deeply by many, especially her family who have never known this life without her light leading the way.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Ridgeway, Mo., on January 24th at 11:00 a.m. Another celebration will be held at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines, Iowa on January 25th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Lamoni, Iowa.
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