Zelma Caldwell

THEBES, Ill. -- Zelma Mae Caldwell, 87, a lifetime resident of Thebes, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 12, 1918, in Chaffee, daughter to Arlie and Eva Gettings Browning. She and William Caldwell were married April 12, 1937, in Vienna, Ill., by the Rev. H.G. Hurley. He preceded her in death.

Young Zelma became a Christian at the age of 12. She was a member of Thebes Methodist Church since 1943 and served in all capacities, except the pulpit, until the church was closed.

She then transferred to Olive Branch United Methodist Church where she was a delegate to the annual conference 14 years. She served as pianist and church board member in the Olive Branch Church.

A civic-minded woman, she contributed greatly to her church and community. She was director and site manager for Thebes Senior Citizens. She was also secretary and treasurer of Woodmen of the World many years. She was curator of Thebes Historic Courthouse. She was a member of the Thebes Women's Club, Thebes Historical Society and Thebes Home Extension.

She is survived by a son, Bill (Frieda) Caldwell of Thebes; a daughter, Betty (Don) Walden of Olive Branch; three grandsons, Ron (Romona) Isom of Chesapeake, Va., John (Kerry) Isom of Huntsville, Ala., and Zac Caldwell of Thebes; a granddaughter, Tara Caldwell of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Mary Browning of Olive Branch; two brothers, Ernest Browning and Clearn Browning of Olive Branch.

Also surviving are two stepgrandsons, Sam Park of Los Angeles, Britt Park of St. Louis; three stepgranddaughters, Dana Park of St. Louis, Teresa (Bob) Jesenovec and Peggy (Terry) Ingram of Waukegan, Ill.; a great-grandson, Austin Caldwell of Tamms; five great-granddaughters, Krystal Caldwell of Tamms, Elise, Racheal and Dorothy Isom of Chesapeake, Anna Isom of Huntsville; five great-stepgrandsons, Chris Park of St. Louis, Lance Myer of Benton, Mo., Gregory Householder, Adam and Michael Jesenovec, all of Waukegan; four great-stepgranddaughters, Veronica Park of St. Louis, Amy Householder of Waukegan, Yolanda Jeffery and Sydni Martz of Huntsville; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Delorian, Russell, Enos and Maurice Browning; and a great-grandson, John David Isom.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Pete Ryan and the Rev. Carl Fisher officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Thebes.