Iona Lear Hargrave passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by family. Born the fifth child of Maxine and Arthur C. Taylor, she carried the gifts of a true “middle child”—a steady peacemaker, thoughtful negotiator, and compassionate listener. She never met a stranger; her warmth and genuine interest made people feel seen. Iona will be remembered for her steady strength and a life of service to family, faith, and community.

Raised in Mobile, Alabama, Iona graduated from Most Pure Heart of Mary School, where she loved science and math and proudly marched in the band playing trombone. She later attended Xavier University in New Orleans, studying biology. Her love for the pageantry of Mardi Gras began at an early age, marching in parades and serving in 1958 as First Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Carole L. Russell in the royal court of Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) King Alexis I, William E. Carson Jr.  Just this past Mardi Gras (2026) you could see her cheering on the marching bands, especially the trombone players, and celebrating the MAMGA Royal Court at its annual luncheon!

After training as a cytologist, Iona moved to New York City, following her sister, Maxine. She worked in research, including at the New York University (NYU) cancer research lab reading Pap Smears. New York also deepened a lifelong love of theatre—an interest she carried with her and delighted in sharing with family.  Iona lived with a spirit of purpose and service and welcomed her nieces and nephews into the causes, organizations, and experiences she valued—encouraging them to live with purpose and to pay it forward.

While living in Teaneck, New Jersey with her sister Maxine and family, Iona met Charles W. Hargrave (C.W.), a friend of her brother-in-law, Dr. William E. “Bill” Beavers, III; Charles and Bill had been students at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Iona soon moved to Washington, D.C., where she and Charles shared 55 years of devoted marriage.

In Washington, Iona earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). She and Charles made their home in Southwest D.C., and her door—and her heart—were always open to family and friends. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, whether by showing up for holidays and milestones or by feeding everyone well—especially with her chicken and waffles and charlotte russe.

A devoted wife, Iona supported what mattered to Charles (C.W.), including his ties to JCSU, commitment to Swift Memorial College, fellowship with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Senior Brothers, and faith community at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Iona and Charles loved the arts and travel, especially theatre. They were patrons of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, made annual trips to New York City for the Radio City Rockettes and Broadway, and enjoyed traveling the world together to places such as Las Vegas, Hawaii, and Tahiti.

A breast cancer survivor, Iona participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to support breast health awareness and research. She also served the District of Columbia as an Elections Manager in Ward 6 for over two decades. For nearly 40 years, Iona was a proud member of the Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Among her many contributions to the Chapter, she served on the Housing Board and as the executive board’s Sergeant-at-Arms.   For more than 50 years, Iona was a faithful member of St. Dominic’s Church, while also supporting Charles through Westminster Presbyterian Church; friends often called her a “Catholic Presbyterian.”

Iona was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Charles W. Hargrave (C.W.); her parents, Maxine and Arthur C. Taylor; and her eight siblings and their spouses: Addie A. Reed (T.N.), Maxine E. Beavers (William), Mary Arthurine Hassan (Alfred), Herbert C. Taylor (Ethel), Aurelia C. Chestang, Dorothea L. Huggins (Lawrence), Adolf J. Taylor Sr., Charles V. Taylor Sr. and her nephews Kevin Vincent Taylor and William E. Beavers IV and niece, Jennifer Taylor.

Iona leaves to cherish her memory her brother-in-law, Dr. Leon W. Chestang; sisters-in-law, Diane Taylor and Geraldine Powell; cousin, Julia P. Bell; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends throughout the United States. She is especially remembered by her supportive nieces—Dr. Kyndal Beavers, Nicole Chestang, Yvette Chestang, Carla (Willie) Hardeman, Liesl Hudson, Letitia Mabien (Dalton), Kimberly Taylor, and Mary Angela Millender—and her cherished nephews, Thomas S. Beavers II and William E. Beavers V. She will also be missed by dear friends Lillie King, Lyda Helena Slade, and Juanita Thompson, as well as her Delta Sigma Theta Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter members and line sisters, “The Aspiring and True 32”, an amazing group of women dedicated to public service, scholarship and political action.

Iona’s life was a testament to what it means to love generously, serve faithfully, and invite others into the very best of what you have been given. Her legacy lives on in the people she nurtured, the community she strengthened, and the many ways she taught her family to keep paying it forward.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for your support of the Iona L. and Charles W. Hargrave Endowed Scholarship at Johnson C. Smith University.

 

 

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