Zeda Rae (Young) Shackelford

 Zeda Holder

1943 - 2020

Zeda Rae (Young) Holder, age 76, passed away on January 13, 2020. Zeda was born on May 24, 1943 to Carl and Lena Fregia Young.

A mother, charged with the most noble of commissions of this life, can mark the hearts of her family, mold the character of her generations, and leave warmth in the memories of her example. In her simple, abiding care and tender humility, Zeda showed to her children how deeply a mother could love. To them, she was an angel from Heaven, and the best Momma in the whole world. Zeda was raised with extremely limited means, requiring her to quit school at a young age to help provide for the needs of her family, but this instilled in her a strength and hardworking nature that would last the rest of her life. A homemaker, she mostly raised her six children on her own; she stressed good manners and discipline, but never left them without them hearing the comforting words, “Momma loves you.” Zeda’s abilities at cooking were unmatched, and she poured her love into her recipes, perfecting them with “a pinch of this and a pinch of that.” According to family folklore, Zeda created the recipes for “Goulash” and “Chili Mac” long before it was offered in stores. At her immaculately clean home, you could find a yard full of flowers, especially red roses, and if you were lucky, a Coconut Cream Pie, homemade biscuits, chicken n’ dumplings, or one of many homecooked meals. She expressed herself artistically, making decorative roses out of soap, exceptionally drawing just about anything, and gracefully dancing as if she were gliding on clouds. Once in her life she drove to Hull, TX, but that was about enough driving for one lifetime to her. Never getting her drivers license, she just plainly said that there were “too many fools on the road.” Zeda was true to herself, loved her family, and loved the Lord; all will dearly miss this special lady and dear mother.

Left to honor her memory are her daughters, Mary Brottem and husband, Dennis, of Kountze, TX, Bertha “Bert” Templet and husband, Mike, of Kountze, TX, Crystal Bingham and husband, Danny, of Kountze, TX, and Cricket Dear and husband, Danny, of Lumberton, TX; son, Jimmy Ray Holder and partner, Darrell Kilcrease, of Lumberton, TX; sister, Ida Clear and husband, Paul; brother, Carl Young Jr.; grandchildren, Kaci Templet Glover, Drew Michael Templet and fiancé, Hanna Judice, Cpt. Garrett Lee Templet, Dakota James Bingham and wife, Adreanna, Dalton Lane Bingham, Ranson Cole Bingham, Megan Brottem, Donovan Dear, and Kain Dear; great-grandchildren, Kaston Reid Michael Templet, Isabella “Bella” Glover, and Ady Lou Rose Bingham ; and a host of extended family, friends and loved ones.

Preceding Zeda in death is her first husband and childhood sweetheart, Jimmy Charles Holder; son, Lester Charles Holder; her parents; second husband, Michael Shackelford; and sisters, Alice Faye Fregia, Celina Fregia, and Jerri Laverne Chapman.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S. Main St., Lumberton, TX. Zeda’s life honoring memorial service will follow beginning at 4:00 p.m., also at the funeral home, with Pastor Laurie Smith and Rev. Grady Hart officiating.

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