Official Obituary of
Zona Florence Burkhead
September 13, 1921 ~ March 26, 2016 (age 94) 94 Years Old
Zona Burkhead Obituary
Zona Florence Burkhead, 94, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 11:07 PM Saturday, March 26, 2016, at Hannibal Regional Hospital.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel, in Hannibal, MO. Bro. Justin Mosher will officiate. Burial will follow in Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry, IL.
Visitation will be held 9:00 to 11:00 AM Saturday at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.
Zona was born September 13, 1921 in Pike County, IL the daughter of Henry and Oca Florence (Curtis) Burkhead. The family relocated to Hannibal where Zona attended school and graduated from Hannibal High School.
Zona developed a strong work ethic, following in her parents' footsteps. She was an independent career woman long before it was cool, working several years each at Wendt-Sonis, George Clayton & Sons, and later worked for Holme & Hickman as an insurance agent until retirement.
Zona was very dedicated to service through her church and several community organizations, often assuming a leadership role. She belonged to 5th Street Baptist Church. She was a long time member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving as an officer for over 50 years. Zona was a board member at Missouri Girls Town and was active in Hannibal Business and Professional Women during her career. She volunteered in several local agencies such as RSVP, Hannibal Tourism, and NECAC Food Distribution.
Zona had no children of her own, but believed anyone could make a positive impact on young people. She hosted several German foreign exchange students and was like a mother to a number of Hannibal-LaGrange students, making a lasting impression on their lives. She was an energetic member of Campus Community Connectors at HLG and could often be seen volunteering there.
After retirement, Zona travelled all over the world, making trips to the Holy Land and several European countries, but her favorite place was here in Hannibal overlooking the Mississippi River.
Ms. Burkhead's independent personality and strong will were well known. Until her 94th birthday, she lived in her own home, drove her car, made her own decisions and handled all her own affairs. A life well lived.
Survivors include one nephew Michael Barker (Sandy) of Sherman, IL, one niece, Michele Fitch (Ross) of Edgewater, FL, a brother-in-law C.S. Barker of New Smyrna Beach, FL, several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Burkhead was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Barker.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fifth Street Baptist Church, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel, in Hannibal, MO. Bro. Justin Mosher will officiate. Burial will follow in Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry, IL.
Visitation will be held 9:00 to 11:00 AM Saturday at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.
Zona was born September 13, 1921 in Pike County, IL the daughter of Henry and Oca Florence (Curtis) Burkhead. The family relocated to Hannibal where Zona attended school and graduated from Hannibal High School.
Zona developed a strong work ethic, following in her parents' footsteps. She was an independent career woman long before it was cool, working several years each at Wendt-Sonis, George Clayton & Sons, and later worked for Holme & Hickman as an insurance agent until retirement.
Zona was very dedicated to service through her church and several community organizations, often assuming a leadership role. She belonged to 5th Street Baptist Church. She was a long time member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving as an officer for over 50 years. Zona was a board member at Missouri Girls Town and was active in Hannibal Business and Professional Women during her career. She volunteered in several local agencies such as RSVP, Hannibal Tourism, and NECAC Food Distribution.
Zona had no children of her own, but believed anyone could make a positive impact on young people. She hosted several German foreign exchange students and was like a mother to a number of Hannibal-LaGrange students, making a lasting impression on their lives. She was an energetic member of Campus Community Connectors at HLG and could often be seen volunteering there.
After retirement, Zona travelled all over the world, making trips to the Holy Land and several European countries, but her favorite place was here in Hannibal overlooking the Mississippi River.
Ms. Burkhead's independent personality and strong will were well known. Until her 94th birthday, she lived in her own home, drove her car, made her own decisions and handled all her own affairs. A life well lived.
Survivors include one nephew Michael Barker (Sandy) of Sherman, IL, one niece, Michele Fitch (Ross) of Edgewater, FL, a brother-in-law C.S. Barker of New Smyrna Beach, FL, several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Burkhead was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Barker.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fifth Street Baptist Church, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.
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