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Family Tributes
athemetician.
She fed families, neighborhoods, schools. No one went hungry around her.
ll-Knowing.
She solved all of our problems as kids and knew to tell everyone to “just trust Jesus!”
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bsent.
We are missing all of the love that she gave to us & everyone that she encountered.
She is absent from us, but present with the Lord. ~ Written by Paul Fain ~
To the sweetest mother in the world & universe... We love you until the end of time! Your Children - James Jr., Molly, Doris, Glenn, Frankie, Paul & Charles
We have so many good memories. You were always making sure everyone got together. You always tried to help someone else. You were always a joy to be around! You fought a long, hard battle but God took your battle over and said, “No more!” We are proud to call you our sister! Love Always, Johnnie, Olivia, Essie, Joe & Liz
Big Mama, You told me a long time ago that you knew and saw me before I was born. Those words let me know that we had a bond that could never be broken, and that our hearts were bonded in Heaven before the beginning of time. There was never a period of time in my life when you were not there. You always gave the purest love and support. You uplifted me and made me feel beautiful, strong and intelligent - all while exemplifying beauty, love, class, grace, poise, strength, and style. I am blessed to know that if you saw my beginning and middle, that even if you are not here in the physical, you will be there to receive me at the end. I love you! ~ Dawn To My Second Mother... You left me with so many good memories. I grieve that you are gone, but I praise God that you now rest in your Heavenly home. Thank you for loving me as if I were your own. ~ Carolyn
NO LONGER WAIT ~Written by Larry Vance ~ 2 Peter 3:13 - Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
And righteousness displays the fullest description of Zellie And she didn’t have to make any atone, Because on that beautiful Sunday autumn afternoon, Venus must have whispered, “Momma, come on home!” Perfect love Unconditional Manifested on Earth Pure and genuine The embodiment of Christ Radiant beauty flowing from the inside out With Light that pierces the darkest valley You spoke words that shaped lives You gave gifts of grace and wisdom wrapped in cornbread and smiles And huge holiday gatherings and handshakes with money in them And summers on the porch chunking the ball and watching the cars go by. And drives to Dixie Queen and long conversations about politics And sandwiches after school and hugs that leave me smelling like Chanel No 5 And soap operas and cereal in the afternoon And sweet hymns and loud laughs And perfect love... unconditional... manifested on Earth. I was Loved and I am grateful. When life gets hard, I’ll hold on to your love knowing we’ll meet again some day. So I won’t say goodbye. Instead I’ll just say, “Thank you.” My big mama my granny, my heart. - Love, Doc ~
And she did Leave…she left peacefully, and went on about her way to a place that God promised the righteous, and she Is being greeted by her sisters, Viola and Willie-Mae Her brother Shun Is there, standing near the valley Rejoicing, and smiling with tears while talking with Aunt Sally! According to John 14:2, we should understand why Zellie could no longer wait, As her stepmom, Dot, awaited for her, with laughter, while standing at the Pearly Gates. We must remain optimistic, although we are sad that she is gone. But we should cherish the memories she left us, and smile like her husband, James, as he welcomes her home. John Lee was there, talking to Ruthell while leaning on a pillow that stretched many miles long. He laughed when Ruthell asked the question, “Girl, what took you so long?” In Heaven’s isle, Muhdear is there with Zellie’s daddy, Excell, with his gold tooth displaying from his big smile. For Zellie made it back the one-last time, to her daddy Excell and her mother “Child”.
Obituary
Zellie Vance Fain was born on August 20, 1935, to the late Excell Vance, Sr. and Maggie Terrell in Webb, Mississippi. As a youth, she loved going to church, and she accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at a very early age. She loved to sing and dance, and willingly shared her melodious voice as a member of the Gospel choir. In addition to her singing ability, she was also a gifted cook and seamstress. She met James Arthur Fain, Sr. and married him at the age of sixteen. They made a beautiful home together and brought seven beautiful children into this world: James, Jr., Doris, Glenn, Frankie, Venus, Paul, and Charles. She often shared her story of being raised on the Strider plantation where she picked cotton and completed the 8th grade. She made a promise to herself that her children would become successful, and she committed herself to making a better life for them with every fiber of her being. Along with her husband, she taught her children to love God, respect others, and give back to the community. She and James maintained a strong and loving foundation for 42 years. As a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Zellie participated in many activities and served in various ministries. She was a member of the Missionary Society, the Matrons ministry, and she served as the chairperson for several events that promoted ministry, service, and fellowship. Among them, possibly the most memorable event was the Women in White celebration. She was a faithful giver and a brilliant organizer. She helped to organize efforts to distribute food baskets to the needy, look after the needs of the sick and shut-in, and she was a forerunner in the efforts to assist evacuees who came to Memphis after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Softly, God whispered for Zellie to come home on October 18, 2020, at Methodist Hospital in Germantown, Tennessee, and she went to live with Him for eternity. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Arthur Fain; her mother, Maggie Terrell; her father, Excell Vance, Sr.; her youngest daughter, Venus Fain; three sisters: Ruthell Vance, Willie Mae White, and Viola Green; two brothers: John Lee Vance and W. T. Terrell; and a beloved aunt, Sally Terrell. To cherish her sweet and loving memory, Zellie leaves six children: James Fain, Jr., Molly Houston, Doris Fain, Glenn Fain (Carla), Frankie Knox (David), Paul Fain, and Charles Fain (Jackie); siblings: Johnnie Price, Essie Dean, Olivia Thomas, Joseph Johnson, Elizabeth Davis, Excell Vance, Jr, Kenneth Vance, Sharon Vance, Glenn Vance, Curtis Vance, Tracy Vance, Larry Vance, Barbara Allman, Donna Hodges (Rick), Tony Vance, and Kareem Vance; six grandchildren: Mario Fain, James Fain III, Adrianne Fain, Dawn Fleming, Brandon Fain, and Danielle Frazier; five greatgrandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, three godchildren whom she loved as her very own, and a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish her legacy forever.
Order of Service
II Timothy 4:7-8, KJV “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.� 7
Procession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Zellie Vance Fain Scripture Reading:
New Testament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Billy Berry
Old Testament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Excell Vance, Jr.
Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minister Shawn Abram Celebration in Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Choir
~ Remembering Zell ie ~ Expressions by Family & Friends (3 minutes, please)
Acknowledgments & Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ms. Jean Williams
~ Silent Reading of the Obituary ~
Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Nataline Pegues, Goddaughter The Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reverend B. F. Abram Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Zellie Vance Fain ~ The remains will not be viewed following the eulogy. ~
Acknowledgment
As long as hearts remember...as long as hearts still care; We do not part with those we love; They’re with us everywhere! The family of Zellie Vance Fain wishes to express sincere gratitude to our friends and loved ones for your support and encouragement during this time. Special thanks to the medical staff and caregivers who attended to her needs with love. May God bless you for your kindness.
Excell Vance, Jr. Curtis Vance
Active Pallbearers Tony Vance Kent Vance
Larry Vance James Johnson
Interment
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 s 9:00 a.m. West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road s Memphis, TN 38125
Arrangements Entrusted To
N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home 12 South Parkway West • Memphis, TN 38109 • (901) 948-7755
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.