Zelma Marie Loyd

Born Zelma Marie Williams on October 29, 1928 in Orange, Texas, Zelma was the youngest of six children born to Jim Henry Williams and Blanche Luticia Hamerly. She had three brothers: Donald, Murl, and Eugene, and two sisters Elsie and Opal.

Zelma graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in 1947 and went to work for the Western Union Company. On February 5, 1948, while working for the Texas Employment Commission, she met and married Joseph Allen Loyd. Zelma and Joe had five children: Joseph Jr, Terry, Michael, Cynthia and John. The family moved several times with Joe’s job living in Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Wichita, Little Rock, and St. Louis.

After the death of her husband Joe in January of 1973, Zelma moved to Houston and started a career at Homelife Insurance Company, where she progressed to an office manager position.

Her children gave her six grandchildren. Son Joe Jr. married Ruth Nilsen and they have two sons Joe III and Kyle. Son Terry married Kathy Schnitz and they have two daughters Julie and Jaime. Son Mike married Pam Flaherty and they have a son Erik. Daughter Cynthia married David Skrocki and they have a son Ryan. Zelma remained in Houston to stay close to her family.

She was a private and incredibly independent woman – a free spirit. Although widowed when she was 44, she never had the desire to date or remarry. She said that Joe was the love of her life. Although she didn’t socialize on a grand scale, those who became close to her felt truly loved.

An avid reader, her favorite book was Atlas Shrugged, but she loved to read anything from dime store novels to great works of literature. She had read so many books, that she often got a few chapters into a freshly purchased novel only to realize she had read it already.

She loved the celebration of any holiday, and to spend time with her family. She never turned down an opportunity to take care of her grandkids.

Zelma spent her last two years at Parkway Place as a member of their Assisted Living family and we appreciate all the kindness and love they showed her. The family would also like to thank Buckner Hospice for the support and love they showed to Mom and to us in her last few months. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00PM on Saturday March 12, 2001 in the Memorial Oaks Funeral Home Chapel, 13001 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77079. Interment will follow in the Memorial Oaks Cemetery.