Madora (Dodie) Mae Cernosek Zenner was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the early morning hours of November 15, 2020, in Clifton Texas. She was 92 years young. Her Foxy dog and daughters were by her side. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin and wonderful friend to so many. Her love of cooking and entertaining complimented her husband’s story and joke telling! She was so happy being in the background doing all the hands-on work that must be done for any event. She always made sure there was plenty of food and beverages for every event, and there were many!!
Dodie was born in Houston Texas on March 12, 1928. Her parents were Helen Mae (Anthaume) Cernosek and Innocence Eustace (I.E.) Cernosek. She lived her entire childhood in Houston. She attended the all girl’s Incarnate Word High School in downtown Houston. She was a beautiful cheerleader for St. Thomas High School, the boy’s school just a few miles away. Cheering on the football field was where “Big Jim” spotted his future bride and the love of his life. They courted, as they always said, for about 5 years. Dodie’s parents were not very excited about “Big Jim”, but their love prevailed, and they married on November 11, 1948 at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Houston. They chose this date because their anniversary would always be a holiday; another opportunity to entertain.
Dodie worked at Schlumberger during the first years of marriage. Dodie and Jim purchased their first home in Houston in 1950, with their first child being born the following year. At this point Dodie became a full-time mother and homemaker, her favorite career. Her five children were the beneficiaries of all the love that one mom could give. Dodie moved with her family to Louisiana and California to follow her husband’s career. Texas, however, was home and in 1965 they moved to Texas permanently. Once all five children were in the higher grades of school, Dodie rejoined the work force by working at Memorial Hall School and Transamerica. She loved working and interacting with people.
Dodie and Jim retired to Lake Conroe in 1991. Dodie loved to garden, cook, and love on her children and grandchildren. One can only imagine how many loaves of banana bread have been made by this wonderful mom! Over the last 30 years she made many friends in the Conroe /Willis area. She had so much fun with her many friends playing bunco, bingo and bowling. She was passionate about the Houston Astros too! Her love for family and friends will last in their memories forever.
Dodie was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother. She is survived by her five children and their spouses. These include Mike Zenner and wife Marie of Harper TX., Kathleen Zenner Harr and husband Steve of Clifton TX., Andrew Zenner and wife Sandy of San Ramon CA., Mary Zenner Krenzer and husband Paul of Richmond TX., and Deborah Zenner Anderson and husband Jody of Lufkin TX. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Scott Zenner and wife Kara of Rogers AR., Greg Zenner and wife Randalynn of Houston TX., Travis Harr and wife Becca of San Diego CA., Nathan Harr and wife Lauren of Ft. Worth TX., Nicole Zenner of San Ramon CA., Christopher Farrar of Dallas TX., Shannon Farrar of Rockwall TX., Samantha Nichols and husband Ryan of Dallas TX., Brad Anderson and wife Sarah of Longview TX., Alicia Anderson of Rockwall TX., and Melanie Garafola and her husband Geoffrey of Olathe KS. Dodie’s life was also blessed by 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all of who she loved.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 20, 2020 from 12:30 to 2:00p.m. at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas. A celebration of Dodie’s life will be held at 2:00p.m. at Cashner Funeral Home with entombment following in the Garden Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in the memory of Dodie Zenner to Lutheran Sunset Ministries, PO Box 71, Clifton TX. 76634., or The Bosque Arts Center – bingo fund in memo line, PO Box 373 Clifton Tx. 76634 The public is invited to watch the funeral service via Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/116724058352511
