Alys Jo Lawson

Alys Jo McGowan (Nelson) Lawson age 84, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 4:30 pm. Alys Jo was born on April 9, 1941, in Mason City Iowa to Merlin L. “Mac” and Hazel Mae (Thomas) McGowan.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday July the 23rd at St John’s United Methodist Church with a visitation from 9:30am to 11:00 followed by a Memorial service and a lunch to be followed. The service will be recorded and live streamed on You Tube. Search for “St John's United Methodist Church Davenport Iowa” and click on the Gray Subscribe round circle and the scroll through the various services. You should find the Memorial service for Alys Jo. Cremation will take place prior to services at Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home, Moline.

Alys Jo graduated in 1959 from Waterloo West High School. She then attended Simpson College in Indianola IA for two years. She Joined the Tri Delta Sorority while at Simpson. Jo then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 1963. Later, Alys Jo received her master’s degree from Western Illinois University.

Alys Jo’s first job was working at Downers Grove, Illinois teaching kindergartner students. After five years at Downers Grove, she wanted to be closer to her parents who lived in Waterloo, so she moved to Davenport and started teaching at Wilson Elementary school.

On December 27, 1969, Jo Married Michael Paul Nelson at the first United Church in Waterloo IA. After that time, she was known as Mrs. Nelson to her students and Little Jo by the school Staff. Jo later divorced Mike, keeping the name Mrs. Nelson.

Jo involved herself in St John’s United Methodist Church by singing in the choir, playing handbells in the bell choir and playing the piano whenever asked. Alys Jo had a large collection of piano music, which she loved playing almost daily. Alys Jo also got involved with the Quad Cities Ammaus Group completing walk #6 and assisting in later walks. After Many years of encouragement, she got her Husband Ken to complete his walk #99.

After 39 years teaching at Wilson, she decided to retire in late May of 2002. After Retirement she had her first date with Ken Lawson on June 16th, 2002. From that moment on a new love developed, and they were married on February the 15th of 2003. They enjoyed 22 plus years of marriage together.

Alys Jo joined PEO chapter JS on April 20th, 2007, and served in many offices including Chapter President and President of Local PEO Reciprocity before her recent illness.

Alys Jo for many years was also an involved member of Delta Kappa Gama, a teacher’s organization.

Alys Jo is preceded in death by her parents and brother Thomas L McGowan 10/13/2023. She is survived by her husband Ken Lawson, Bettendorf, Sister-in Law Kathy McGowan, niece Nicole McGowan, of Waterloo and nephew T.J. (Lisa) McGowan all of Cedar Falls. Grand Nephews Cade, Adonis, Terril (Shireens), Mersadies, Taytum, Stepdaughters Vicki Poe of Nederland CO. and Sheri Jandik of New Virginia IA

We also want to thank all the caregivers, Shanna Sourwine, Brisa Pedroza, Gema Velez, Cindy & Mike Bosold, Kimberly Gilbertson, Kim Schaefer and the nurses and staff from Unity Point Hospice for their loving care of Jo while she was declining in health.

In Lew of flowers, a memorial gift could be made to The Foundation of St. John’s United Methodist church Davenport, IA, 109 E 14th St Davenport, IA 52803.