Zelda Easton

1913-2017

Zelda Emma Marie de St. Germain Easton is a big name for a pint size woman born in New Orleans on October 29, 1913. Being one of 16 children, her parents thought she was the last. That is where Zelda comes from, last letter in the alphabet “Z” (only she was next to last).

Given all those siblings, Zelda at 104 years of age is the last to die given her large original family. She joined the Church Triumphant on November 14, 2017. She lost both her parents at the age of three. An older married sister was going to take Zelda and a few of the other children when the older sister died giving birth. Zelda was sent to an asylum. Two years later a couple wanted to be foster parents and took May (her sister two years older) and Zelda to live with them. Zelda spoke French, but refused to do so. She learned English and became a very devoted Roman Catholic. Every day she went to mass on her way to school. It was a shock when Zelda didn’t become a nun, but became a “Mrs.” to a Protestant! She was officially excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church.

July 12, 1940 she married Walter Clarence Easton, Jr. in New Orleans never dreaming she would one day be a pastor’s wife. During WW ll, Zelda raised a daughter, Faith for 3 years without Walter as he served in the Sea Bees division in Hawaii. Upon his return to the States, she found herself moving to Austin, Texas while Walter attended UT and APTS. Zelda supported Walter in pastorates in Ponchatula, LA, Mexia, TX, Garland, TX, Aransas Pass, TX and Homer, LA. They were married for 67 years.

She never met a stranger. She had a childlike charm that brought joy to all who crossed her path. Except for her four children, who knew not to cross her path the wrong way or reap the consequences.

Family was of great importance to Zelda. Zelda is survived by three daughters (Faith Sellen and husband David of Broken Arrow, OK., Irene Simpson of Carrolton, TX; Mary Lee and husband Walter of San Antonio, TX) and one son, Walter C. Easton III and wife Linda.

Her grandchildren include Chris Graves and wife Sonya of Lakehills, TX; Lori, and husband Scott Dearing of Dayton, OH; Mark Simpson and wife Hannah of San Antonio, TX; Carrie Boatner and husband Lewis of Houston, TX; Bethany Borak and husband Chris of San Antonio, TX; Deborah Walker and husband Matt of Broken Arrow, OK; Heather Brown and husband Tim of Anna, TX; Chandler Easton of Farmers Branch, TX; and Jonathan Simpson of Oakland, CA. She is survived by 10 great grandchildren (7 girls and 3 boys).

Zelda often took on all the menial tasks at churches that no one else wanted to do. She kept children when there was no nursery attendant. Zelda was always in the cleanup crew after every dinner at church. She never taught a class, never gave a talk, but read her Bible faithfully year after year. She walked almost everywhere she went (as there was only one car). She taught herself to sew making clothes for 3 girls and 1 son. As an above average cook, Zelda fed 6 on a tight budget. She prayed often, supported her husband, family, church…all without a book that told her how. She never graduated from high school, but that never stopped her from wanting all of her children to get a college education and be self-sufficient. Zelda loved to work puzzles, read, play games, travel, crack pecans, dance and garden. She was a member of the garden club and a volunteer at the local hospital in Homer, LA. If we gave her an extra name, it would have been “willing to serve with a cheerful heart”.

Zelda impressed us all with her faithful attendance at Presbyterian Woman’s Circles. If there were three Circles, she attended them all. She would go to Mo Ranch for conferences. Or ride with Walter (husband) to many church meetings.

Alzheimer had taken a great deal of Zelda away day after day over the past 10 years. It was painful to watch as her memories and grasp on life slowly declined. She still had a twinkle in her eyes at times, loved to be around children and pets. She had many cheerful smiles for everyone. She often patted the staff’s checks and said “you’re beautiful.” Grace Presbyterian Village here in Dallas was good to our Mom and many came to love her. We were blessed that she was safe and treated well. We are thankful for the care given to our Mom at GPV by the staff on 1 Jones and on 1 Anderson units including PT, OT, Social and Kitchen staff. There are too many fine people to name. Zelda (our Mom and our Gangee) may be gone from our sight, but not from our hearts....

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