Estelle Channell Zeanah, age 94, of Tuscaloosa, died Nov. 30, 2012, at home. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, at Heritage Chapel Funeral Home in Tuscaloosa with the Rev. Hal Noble officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be Tuesday beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Rufus Grady Zeanah; her son, Grady Harold Zeanah; her parents, L Myria and Adam "Bud" Channell; three brothers, Cleveland Channell, Friedman Channell, and Elbert Channell; and six sisters, Eula Pate, Clara Lowe, Earline Pate, Pearl Vaughn, Elsie Hager, and Willina Gregory.
Survivors include her grandson, Neal Zeanah (Leslie) of Montgomery; her great-granddaughter, Izzy Zeanah of Montgomery; her daughter-in-law, Lynn Zeanah of Tuscaloosa; her nieces, Mary Jennings (Ray) of Northport and Jean Johnson (Harold) of Huntsville; and her nephew, James Alford Vaughn of Tuscaloosa.
Estelle was born to L Myria and Adam "Bud" Channell in Buhl, Alabama on September 20, 1918. After her marriage, she and Grady lived in Gordo before moving to Tuscaloosa. They built their home in Fernwood Court where they lived for 53 years. Estelle and Grady were charter members of Forest Lake United Methodist Church where she served as the first Secretary/Teacher of the Primary Sunday School Department. She was a charter member of the Women's Society of Christian Service, now known as United Methodist Women. She was employed by B.F. Goodrich for 27 years. Many of her most enjoyable times were spent traveling with Grady in his various roles of service in the Lion's Club and Shrine Club. In 1988, she was named Shrinette of the Year for her dedicated service to the organization. She loved people and enjoyed the fellowship of others in all walks of life. In her later years, she lived at Pine Valley Retirement Home and enjoyed the fellowship of other residents. She especially enjoyed visiting the residents who were unable to participate in activities and confined to their rooms. In March 2011, she moved to Wesley Gardens in Montgomery to be closer to her grandson and his wife. She was known for her chocolate chip pecan pies, bon-bon candy, timeless sense of style, and her Christian witness. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Buddy Burton, Leland Channell, Bill Cole, Terry Gregory, Rodney Jennings, Gene David Lowe, Tommy Muckenfuss, and James Alford Vaughn.
Honorary pallbearers include the staff at Wesley Gardens Retirement Home, Dr. John Summerford, and friends and neighbors of Forest Lake and Buhl communities.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Forest Lake United Methodist Church or Wesley Gardens Retirement Home in Montgomery, a 501(c3) corporation.
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