Gloria Lee Popham

Gloria Lee Popham

North English

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 was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Good News Bible Church in Iowa City, with Pastor Richard Wootonn officiating. Burial was at Champion Hill Cemetery in rural North English at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Visitation was from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

A memorial fund has been established for Good News Bible Church missions. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English is caring for Gloria and her family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.