Joy Cole Corning was born Sept 7, 1932 and died on May 20, 2017.
"My parents were Ethel Sullivan Cole and Perry Aaron Cole. I had two younger siblings, Clark and Frank. I graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1949 and later, from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), with a degree in Kindergarten and Primary Education. After teaching for a short time, I married Burt Corning in June 1955, which was the smartest thing I did in my life. We lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa our entire married life. We had three wonderful daughters, Carol, Claudia, and Ann.
I quickly became involved in community organizations and have continued giving my time to organizations for which I am passionate. I am most passionate about issues related to children and families, women’s health & rights, equality and justice, education and the arts. Pre-deceased are my parents, husband, brother Frank, and my son-in-law Brad Peyton.
I leave behind my three daughters Carol (Allan) Hallquist of Kansas City, Missouri, Claudia Peyton of Urbandale, Iowa and Ann (Patrick) Lyons of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Also surviving me are my nine grandchildren, two step grandchildren, my brother Clark and special cousins, David, Sally, and Sue. If you choose to contribute to a memorial, these are four that I have been involved in and appreciate their missions in our community: Planned Parenthood of the Heartland Foundation, Plymouth Church Foundation, UNI Foundation and the Des Moines Symphony Foundation. Thanks to all who have contributed to and enriched my life."
Her daughters added: Mother was fortunate to have served Iowans as Cedar Falls School Board President, State Senator, and Lt Governor. She was also on many boards and foundations. Besides being the most wonderful mother any of us could ask for, we are proudest that Mother’s life was a model of class and grace, kindness and cooperation, service and civility. She led by example and always saw the good in everyone. She was active until the very end on efforts that supported human rights and justice for all.
In our mother’s memory, please hug a child, help someone in need, or volunteer your time to a cause for which you are passionate. And remember to vote. Most of all, mom would like you to be kind to one another.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 and Memorial services will be held Thursday May 25 at 11 am, both at Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines.