Iva Watler Ebanks was born May 23, 1920, in Roatan Bay Island, Honduras to the late Christopher and Racheal Allen Watler. On Sunday July 24, 2022, at the age of 102, the gates of heaven opened, and Iva found her new eternal resting place.
Iva attended Juan Brooks school in Roatan, Honduras. She enjoyed swimming, reading, writing poetry, and sewing. After seeking her education, she later moved to Tela, Honduras with her Aunt Miriam Allen Campbell where she developed the skills of sewing and cooking.
After many years of working in Tela, Honduras, she received an opportunity of a lifetime with the help from her best friend Jeanetta Brown. In 1957 the Pipe Family sponsored her to enter the United States.
She was employed with the Pipes Family as the Head Cook. During her time of service with the Pipes Family, she obtained her Citizenship in the 60's. This gave her the chance to sponsor other family members to experience the same opportunity as well. A few years later she became employed with the Millings Family, where she extended her service until 1990. She attended GED classes at Kingsley House in New Orleans.
Iva accepted Christ at an early age. Once coming to the United States, she became a member of First Street United Methodist Church where she remained a faithful member. In her later years when she was unable to attend church, she would join prayer groups through phone calls.
Iva was preceded in death by her husband Calvert Ebanks; Sisters Lizzeth, Jane, Margaret Allen Wader, Addie Watler-Leslie, Rachael and Elize Hernandez-Allen. Brothers: Albert and Marsden Watler.
Iva leaves to cherish her loving memories her devoted son Eduardo and Daughter-in-Law Aliska
Bodden.
Grandchildren: Jamila Bodden-Tumer(Derrick), Edward, Errol (Pearlina), Eric, Arielle, Angelle
Bodden.
Great-Grandchildren: Byron Bodden, Joy Mendoza, Edriel, Imani, Alaya, Edward Jr., Emorie, Aubrey, Skylar, Legend Bodden.
Great-Great Grandchildren: Jade Barthelemy, Rayo, and Rya Tucker, Izrial Dudley. One Surviving Sibling: Edna Hernandez Allen.
She will be truly missed by her devoted nieces Jane Brown, Magee Watler, Ivy Parker, Nephews
Kent Brown (Nellie) and Harold Washington, dearest friends Verona Davidson, Kent Scott, Terry Mann and a host of five Generations of Nieces and Nephews; friends and other relatives.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend funeral services at First Street United Methodist Church, 2309 Dryades Street, New Orleans, LA, 70122 on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 10:00AM. Visitation will begin from 9:00AM until the services begin. Interment to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA. 70001.
Arrangements entrusted to Garden of Memories Funeral Home.
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