Zora W Ballard

Zora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Ballard, with who she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage; her parents Glenn and Audrey Wilson; and her siblings, Bobbie Faye Wilson Brooks and Curtis Ray Wilson.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Sharon O’Neal (Forrest); son, Mike Ballard (Patsy); grandsons, Zach O’Neal (Jessica), Michael Ballard (Riley), and Mason Ballard (Sara); great-grandsons, Emmitt O’Neal, Michael Roy “Rory” Ballard III, Miller Ballard, and Jameson “JT” O’Neal; siblings, John Nathan Wilson and Virginia Gayle Wilson Simmons (Billy); brother-in-law, Richard “Sonny” Brooks; sister-in-law, Betty Wilson; and her special niece, Kelly Jones, along with many other cherished family members.

Zora’s greatest joy was her family. Her grandsons and, later her great-grandsons were the highlights of her life. She was known to most as Zora, but known as “B” to her boys. The memories they made together and the love she shared with them will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Zora will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort in the many memories she leaves behind and in the promise of our Lord and Savior that they will one day be reunited with her.

She lived a full life. She loved her church and played church softball there for many years, even into her fifties. She enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. She was born with a green thumb. She built a great life with Billy and was by his side in starting their concrete business where she worked behind the scenes. She also worked with him in growing vegetables for their food and even sold excess in a stand on Flatwoods Road. She was also an avid Alabama Fan and enjoyed the Atlanta Braves. She was truly a kind, giving and wonderful person to all who knew her.

Visitation for Zora will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm with Albert Lyles and Billy Gray officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Zach O’Neal, Michael Ballard, Mason Ballard, Emmitt O’Neal, Eric Swanson and Brian Simmons.

Honorary Pallbearers include special family friend Cynthia Dorough; members of Flatwoods Baptist Church; friends and families of the Flatwoods community; past and present employees of Ballard Concrete and Contractors; the nurses, CNAs, PT and staff of Station 3 at Heritage Health Care; the staff of Hospice of West Alabama; members of the Tuscaloosa County High School Class of 1958; and the Girls Just Want to Have Fun Beach Group.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Flatwoods Baptist Church, Northport, Alabama in loving memory of Zora.