Jeannette S. Zello

Jeannette S. Zello, 93, of Virginia Beach, Va, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023. She was born in Beaufort County, Washington, NC to the late Burbank and Callie Nicolas Swanner. Her sister, Bonnie Taylor and brother, Dexter Swanner preceded her in death. She is also predeceased by her loving husband of over 40 years, Michael Zello and a beloved partner of 10 years, Bernard Hopkins. Jeannette always felt lucky to have loved two great men in her lifetime.

She is survived by Mike’s daughter, Theresa Murphy and husband, Pat; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister in law, Mary Quinlin and husband, John, Lisa Quinlin; and many nieces and nephews from the Zello family living in Michigan. She is also survived by a niece, Eunice Taylor of Virginia Beach and the Hopkins family, who adopted her later in life.

Jeannette and Mike settled in Thalia and lived there all their married life. She loved the area, but in 2016 moved to Westminster Canterbury in Virginia Beach. Jeannette was an employee of The Verizon Telephone Company for over 37 years and retired in 1987. She started her career as an operator, “Hello Girl” and retired from the Engineering Department. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, Tidewater Council 2202.

Jeannette was proud to be a member of the CHKD Thalia Friendship Circle and was also very proud that she became an “Honorary Texan” in 1966, by Mayor Murphy Wilson and her best friend in Tyler, TX, Edie Bradshaw. She loved her Friday night friends and traveling companions, Shirley Young, Winton Ward, Anne and Joe Hawkins and Bernie Hopkins.

Jeannette was well traveled and had an abundance of pictures and memories to share. She was a beautiful woman, gracious and always very kind. She will be interned at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with her husband, Michael Zello.

Condolences may be offered at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home.