Gloria Lee (Sawyer) Popham, 24 Apr 1931 - 04 Jul 2025

POPHAM, SAWYER, HULSHIZER, HALL

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 7/9/2025 at 15:24:09

Gloria Lee Popham, age 94, of Iowa City, formerly of North English, went to be with the Lord Friday, July 4, 2025, at Briarwood Healthcare Center in Iowa City. Gloria was born April 24, 1931, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert and Hazel (Hulshizer) Sawyer. She grew up in Ainsworth, Nebraska and graduated from Ponca High School in Nebraska. On April 22, 1955, she married Lynn G. Popham in Ottumwa, Iowa. The couple lived and farmed in the North English area. She worked at Amana Refrigeration for four years and also cleaned houses in Iowa City for a number of years. Gloria was a long-time member of the Champion Hill United Methodist, where she served as the secretary of the UMW and was church treasurer. She had more recently become a member of Good News Bible Church in Iowa City. Gloria enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafting, cooking, and baking – and was known for her angel food cakes made from scratch. Her love for family and friends was evident and she truly enjoyed visiting with and helping people.

Survivors include two sons: Scott (Donilee) Popham of Coralville and Randy (Gin) Popham of Durant; two grandchildren: Tim of Davenport and Kimberly of Rock Island, Illinois; eight great grandchildren; two brothers: Jim (Jill) Sawyer and Tom (Sandy) Sawyer and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Lynn; brother: Ric Sawyer and sister: Sandy Hall.

Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Good News Bible Church in Iowa City, with Pastor Richard Wootonn officiating. The service will also be livestreamed on the Powell Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be at Champion Hill Cemetery in rural North English at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

Published in The Hometown Current on July 9, 2025.