Cheatom Park Legends
Jesse Taylor - 1925-2012
Jesse Franklin Taylor was born in 1925 and died in 2012. He was raised in the core city portion of Des Moines, educated in the Des Moines Public Schools and ran track for North High School. He lived in the Mondamin Presidential Neighborhood — the general area of the new school.
Taylor served in the U.S. Navy and was a World War II veteran. He retired from Meredith Corp. after 39 years and later worked many years at the Des Moines airport as a skycap. He was involved with many community boards and commissions and served on a plethora of governmental and nonprofit organizational boards, including Mid City Vision and other Enterprise Community related developments. He was a 50-year-plus member of North Star No. 2 lodge, a member of the William Frank Powell Consistory No. 46, commander of VFW Post No. 12105 and a lifetime member of the NAACP. He played an influential role launching the Forest Avenue Library campaign and the founding of the John R. Grubb YMCA. After 35 years of officiating for the Drake Relays, Jesse was inducted into the Drake Relays Wall of Fame in 2005. In 2009, he was inducted into the Iowa African American Hall of Fame. Jesse was also a charter member of the National Black Child Development Institute Des Moines Affiliate and was an avid supporter of early childhood education, youth development and teen employment.
Iris "Sissy" Cheatom Ward-Died in 2010
Sissy, a long time community activist, is survived by her son, Rev. Toussaint (Nicki) Cheatom; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers, Joseph Johnson, Irvin Cheatom and Marvin Cheatom; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Lynda Walker Webster 1945-2015
Lynda was a former free-lance writer, poet, former newspaper columnist and national newsletter editor. Her list of writings include an inspirational column for the Iowa Bystander; National Iowa Club Newsletter; "Exits and Entrances" poetry journal; and author of the social organizations chapter of "Outside In". She also loved compiling the "Iowa Days" Homecoming Reunion books for Des Moines.
Lynda volunteered on many other boards and committees earning awards for untiring service and advocacy. She received the Alice Rodine Award, YWCA Woman of Achievement Award, Iowa Author's Award from the Des Moines Library Foundation, the Governor's Volunteer Award from both Governors Branstad and Vilsack, The Youth Award from the Des Moines Chapter of Links, Inc., The National Black Child Development Community Service Award and the National Poetry Award.
Ellaree Clinton - 1922-2004
Ellaree was an educator and taught for the Des Moines Public Schools system for over 20 years and was also a member of the National Education Association. Ellaree was the first black woman from Iowa elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (1969); and a member of Tiny Tots Board of Directors where she was instrumental in writing the by-laws. She was also a member of the Des Moines Affiliate of the National Black Child Development Institute and a member of NAACP. Ellaree was the founder of L.I.F.E. (Learning Is For Everyone) Ministry Tutor Service. She enjoyed attending the Central Senior Center and was a member of the Forest Avenue Library Toastmasters Club, the Winthrop Social Club and the YMCA Upper Classmen. She was a community activist and an advocate for children. Ekkaree believed in educating everyone. She was a member of many other groups and organizations. Most of all she loved Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Rose Marie Webster- Died in 2006
Rose Marie Webster (formerly Gaiters), is a singer and pianist from Des Moines. She started singing in the church, and her father was a Baptist minister. Influenced by Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, and CeCe Wynans, she performed the Blues, along with Jazz and Gospel, professionally for close to three decades around Des Moines. Some of the venues that she played at, included the White Shutter Inn, Tony’s Lounge, Hotel Ft. Des Moines, the Wakonda Club, Phyllis’, and the Sepia Club. She is known for her ability to ad lib words, adding her own stamp to the songs she would sing. She has also performed community work, and at benefits, including for Drake University. She participated for two years in the Women In Jazz series of concerts, organized by Suzie Miget. She performed with the virtuoso of the Hammond organ, Sam Anthony (Salomone). Even though Rose Marie has been concentrating on Gospel as of late, she is thrilled to be a new member of the Blues Hall of Fame, and is looking forward to performing at the induction ceremony at Blues On Grand in December.