Zella was born on February 5th, 1935, Walcott, Arkansas to the parents of John James and Zella Mae Cummings. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Charles Beaman, brother John L Cummings, sisters Kathryn Bolden, Bonnie Self and Murleen Parmen. Zella is survived by sisters Imogen Drum of Marshall, IL, Juanita Winslow of Pocahontas, AR, Dorthy Osborn of Black Rock, AR, Patricia Milligan and her husband Jerry Milligan of Springfield, MO.
Her children, Ronald Franklin and his wife Daphne of Alamo, California, Verlinda Ferreira of Ceres, California, Brenda Funez of Turlock, California, Anthony Franklin of Ceres, California, Paula Buckley and husband John Buckley of Eagle Point, Oregon survive Zella.
Also surviving stepchildren, Fred Beaman and Teri Beaman of Concord, California.
Zella was blessed with 14 grandchildren, Lisa Folena, Sandra Diel, Michelle Ingram, Brett Franklin, David Franklin, Kristopher Franklin, Michael Ferreira, Christopher Ferreira, La Tisha Charuvilayil, Tony Franklin, Constance Burns, Casey Franklin, Joseph Franklin, Laura Dawn and Tommy Elder. Zella was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren.
Zella was raised with her family in Black Rock near Denton, Arkansas. When Zella was a young teenager her father migrated to California along with her brother and younger sisters as they all worked hard in the orchards, fields even sawmills to make ends meet. She married at the young age of 17 and raised her 5 children in the East Bay area of California.
Zella worked as a bartender for 10 years in Martinez, California. Then in her early 40's she returned to Black Rock, Arkansas and worked for Banquet Foods for many years. Zella finishes her career with Conagra Foods in Ceres, California where she retired from the food industry. Zella’s last years of work included 16 years as a caregiver where she then retired at the age of 80.
Zella was a devoted Christian and loving mother. A wonderful and giving person to all that knew her. Zella Mae was with her children on Mother’s Day when she went to be with the Lord. All will dearly miss her.
A private ceremony will be held in California, time and place to be determined in the near future.
Donations may be made to Asante Hospice, 2960 Doctors Park Dr. Medford OR 97504
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