Iola Marie Davis

What a joy it was for Iola Marie to be born to the late Hurd and Lottie Dilworth in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 1928. Iola was one of ten children - eight of whom preceded her in death - and is survived by one sister, Doris Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Iola attended schools in the San Antonio Unified School District and later graduated from Garfield High School in Los Angeles, California. She worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company before discovering her passion for hairstyling while working at Perma Hair Salon. 

As a young woman, Iola accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1947. She attended Apostolic Faith Home Assembly under Bishop Frank R. Bowdan, Sr. Later, she worshipped at Crenshaw Christian Center under Pastor Fred Price, Sr., and eventually at World Changers Church International in College Park, Georgia, under Pastor Creflo Dollar. 

In 1946, Iola married Robert Armstrong, and to that union three wonderful children were born: Robbie Marie Smith of Corona, California; Freddie Leo Armstrong, Sr. (deceased); and Leonard Earl Armstrong, Sr. of Atlanta, Georgia.

Years later, in 1962, Iola met and married Gabe Aikens. The couple resided in Compton, California, until their retirement, after which they moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2003. Gabe later transitioned into glory. 

Iola had many hobbies including walking, yoga, Pilates, gardening, shopping, and she loved going on cruises. She traveled to many world wide places such as Australia, Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, and Greece. She later returned to California, where she resided with her daughter Robbie until God called her home. 

Iola leaves to cherish her memory three children: Robbie of Corona, California; Leonard, Sr. of Atlanta, Georgia; and the late Freddie, Sr. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Norman, Jr. (Tracy), Chawn (August, Sr.), Jason, Tisha, Leonard, Jr., and Savanna; as well as great-grandchildren: Norman III (Nicol), Nori, August, Jr., (Ashley), Pierre, Tajh, Jalonie, Ashley, and Julian; and great-great-grandchildren: Tyler, Aubrey, Austyn, August III, Arises, Aaria, and Maverick. 

She also leaves behind three beloved bonus daughters: Marilyn Allen, Debbie Roby, and Rita Scott, along with a host of nieces and nephews whom she deeply cherished. 

After 97 remarkable years, Iola has completed her earth journey and entered eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life was a true testimony of faith, love, and perseverance. As a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she poured her heart into her family, leaving behind a legacy rooted in prayer, kindness, and unwavering trust in God. Though she will be deeply missed, her light will continue to shine through the generations she lovingly nurtured. We rejoice knowing she is now in the presence of the One she faithfully served, hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."