Zona Mae Dallis

Born on July 15, 1937, to Lee Roy & Beulah (Hughes) James. Her family moved around Arkansas & Oklahoma before settling in Tahlequah, where Zona attended Bagley High School. She married Lloyd Dallis on September 4,1953. They celebrated the birth of 3 sons.

Through the years, Zona worked at Ozark Nursery, a family-owned plaster business, and the sewing factory. She loved reading, plants and shopping with her sister-in-law Gale. The last few years, watching and feeding the birds was a major priority for her. So much so that the day after her passing two of the nursing home staff were heard pondering “who is going to feed the pigeons?”, “Zona always fed them”. She enjoyed puzzles with her friends, Pastor John’s visits and the church and singing services provided by different groups at Cherokee County Nursing Center. She was an active member of Carter Baptist Church and enjoyed Sunday School and the services each week, followed by lunch with her family. One of her favorites was catfish at Big Reds.

Her family has very fond memories of all the meals enjoyed around her table. Where you could find an abundance of food, and was always guaranteed to hear Granny say, “you guys better eat some more, it doesn’t look like anyone has touched a thing”.

Zona was preceded in death by her father, Lee Roy James, her mother and her stepfather Beulah and Jess Summers, her husband Lloyd Dallis, her sons Tommy and Steven, her granddaughter Mackenzie and her sister Janice Carter.

She leaves the following family to cherish her memories, her son James and wife Donna, her grandchildren Christy Dallis, Wesley Dallis, Robby Dallis and wife Lista, Jessie Dallis and wife Leslie, and Coralie Dallis. In addition, there are multiple great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Also, a host of additional family and friends.

Funeral services for Zona will be held at Reed Culver Chapel in Tahlequah on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 10:00am, with Bro. Mat Lawrence officiating.

Visitation for family and friends will be held before the service beginning at 8:30am.

She will be laid to rest at Park Hill Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers for Zona include Wesley Dallis, Robby Dallis, David Carter, Lacey Carter, Ryan Carter, and Thomas Carter.