Iola Etheleen McMickens

The "bride cometh" were the words uttered at the wedding feast during a book of the Bible. These same words were uttered January 19, 2024 when Iola McMickens passed from this life to meet her husband Henry of 70 years.

Iola Etheleen McMickens was born in Cordele, Georgia to Johnnie Mae and Jack Stubbs. She originally thought she was born on the second of December but SSA told her in the early 80s she was born on the first of December. She resided with her Auntie Viola in Cordele until she was in second grade then she returned to Jacksonville. Iola was the older of five children.

Iola was very fashionable and always dressed up with pretty styles of the era. Iola worked for Lays Potato Chips at the tender age of 12; she lied about her age. The plant was on Beaver Street at the time, and Iola worked the midnight shift. Though Iola would fall asleep, she was determined. Her dad Jack was strict and would chase off most of Iola's suitors, except Henry McMickens. Henry heard about Iola's dad's reputation therefore he approached Jack in a different way, much like a commanding officer. Iola met Henry in Englishclass in high school; they married on April 12th, 1950. Henry served 2 years in World War II. Their first child Gary was born in August of the same year. A year later Larry was born. Five years later another son, Reggie, was born and seven years thereafter their only daughter, Deshorie, was born.

Henry attended AT in Greensboro, NC and received his Bachelor's degree in history. Iola attended Florida Memorial which was in St. Augustine but relocated to Miami. She attended for one year, then left to have a baby and take care of her younger siblings. Iola always sacrificed for her family. She did domestic work a few years but decided to go to nursing school. She graduated and the first job was at Northeast State Hospital in Macclenny, FL; she stayed for 24 years. After 10 years, she went back to school to become a rehabilitation tech. She left in 1969 and became involved with the AME Church of the Master and raising her grands. Iola began traveling and she and Henry would go to New Orleans, Tampa, and Orlando for homecoming games and reunions. Iola would spend every Sunday with nieces and nephews and take them to Baldwin in the early 80s. She never learned to drive, but she could go wherever she wanted.

In later years, she and Henry would participate with their daughter Deshorie with family reunions and church trips. Iola was a devoted classmate, sister, friend, and mate. She attended 3 organizations in her later years. She was involved with missionary, nursing, and high class functions until Covid. She always assisted with family reunions, planning sessions, and her wish was to have one day a reunion. To God be the glory for blessing us with many years with Iola Etheleen McMickens.

Iola is survived by her children, Gary, Larry, Reginald "Reggie" and Deshorie; sisters, Berneice Wright and Yvonne Childs; brother-in-law, Patrick Wright; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and other relatives, friends and associates and 1 God daughter.

A receiving of friends for Iola will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at AME Church of the Master, 5637 Vernon Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209. A funeral service will occur Saturday, January 27, 2024 at noon at the church. A committal service will occur Monday, January 29, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Guests are asked to please arrive in Lane 2 prior to 9:30 AM. Reverend Lavern Glasco, Pastor, will serve as officiant of services.