Obituary of Noely Makenda

Noely "Nono" Makenda, 21, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida.

A time of visitation will be held from 4 - 7 pm, Friday, January 23, 2026 at the River Community Church (3001 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City).  Funeral Services will be held, from 10 am till Noon, Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the River Community Church (3001 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52240).  Burial with Military Honors will be held following the funeral at Oakland Cemetery (1000 Brown Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52245).  Everyone is welcome to join Noely’s family for a reception at Terry True Blood (579 McCollister Blvd, Iowa City, IA 52240) following services at the Cemetery.

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Noely Makend, a beloved daughter, sister, and United States Navy service member, who tragically lost her life at the age of 21.

Noely was a proud graduate of Iowa City West High School in 2022, after graduating high school, she answered a higher calling enlisting in the United States Navy, committing herself to a life of discipline, service, and honor. Through hard work and perseverance, Noely achieved extraordinary, serving as a Navy Sailor, an accomplishment that reflected her courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

Noely’s life was one of purpose and promise. Though her journey was heartbreakingly cut short, she will be remembered for her bravery, her commitment to serving others, and the strength of her spirit.

She leaves behind her a big family who will forever cherish her memory.

This includes her loving siblings, Jeremy Makenda and Christelly Makenda; Noely was the treasured daughter of her devoted parents, Fanny Makuika, Fanfan Makenda (Fifi Zabana) who loved her deeply and takes pride in the remarkable young woman she became.

Noely Makanda’s legacy will live on through the lives she touched, the service she gave, and the love she shared. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.