Our dear sister Nawassa Liann (Yates) Greenwell, 64, passed away on Tuesday July 7, 2026, in Camdenton, Missouri. Her breast cancer had returned and metastasized to her liver, much to our surprise. However, Nawassa was true to her faith in God and salvation to the end.

Nawassa was born in Jackson County, Missouri to Vincent and Barbara (Napier) Yates on September 16, 1961. Her siblings are Wallace (wife Geraldine), Nancy (Husband Roma) Harrison, Don (Sue), Bootie or Arlen, Debbie (Mike) Evans, Errol (Debbie), Leat Stanley, Gayland, Preston (Kimberly), Jairus (Kimberle), Loyah (Mike) Vannicolo, and Liauna (Troy) Metscher, and many nieces and nephews. Nawassa was preceded in death by her husband Mike, her parents, and four of her siblings: Wallace, Nancy, Bootie, and Gayland.

Nawassa graduated from Skyline High School in Urbana, Missouri, in 1979. She continued lifelong friendships with so many of her classmates.

Nawassa married Gary Ball in January 1981 and they had three children: Candace (Cesar) Irizarry, Colton (Lacey) Greenwell, Ashley (Justin) Hilton. Nawassa married Michael Greenwell in 1987. To this union was born Zachary Greenwell. Mike adopted Nawassa’s older children, gave them his name, and treated them all as his own. Nawassa had 17 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter at the time of her death.

Nawassa’s faith was demonstrated in the way she taught her children, the way she prayed for others, the way she asked for prayer, the way she treated others, and the way she lived her life day to day. She encouraged all to develop and cultivate a life of faith. Nawassa was a member of The Church of Christ (with the Elijah Message, the Assured Way of the Lord).

The service will be live streamed via FaceBook Live.  You may access the video on the Allee Holman Howe Funeral Home Facebook page.  

Nawassa’s Celebration of Life is Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Camdenton, Missouri.

Visitation is 10-11:30 am, preaching service 11:30-12 pm. All are welcome.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.