Zella Faye Crandell

Zella F. Sumbler Crandell was born in Longleaf, Louisiana on January 4, 1939 to the late Henry and Rosa Sumbler. She is the oldest of five daughters. She was the matriarch of her family.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at an early age at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Louisiana. She was an active and faithful member until moving to Omaha, Nebraska.

She married her childhood sweetheart, Floyd Crandell. To this union three children were born Kelvin Dale, Kimberlyn Denise, and Kenya Darwin Crandell. She was a devoted Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend.

Zella joined Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John H. Whittington. A faithful and dedicated leader in the church for many years. She served as Superintendent of Sunday School, Deaconess, Trustee, Facilitator of the Mt. Nebo Afterschool Tutoring Program and a member of the Usher Board and Mission.

Zella was a graduate of Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana. Received a Bachelors degree in Education. She retired from Omaha Public Schools in 1996. She taught Home Economics at the Junior High and High School levels before she transitioned to the administration building working in the Drug Prevention Community Relations Office. Zella took extreme pride in the way she looked and dressed. She also encouraged others to be always at their best.

Throughout the years she mentored and nurtured numerous individuals helping and providing guidance to them throughout their lifes challenges.

Being the oldest of five girls. She had a very close and loving relationship with her sisters and a tight bond that will never be broken.

She leaves to cherish fond memories; sons Kelvin (CaSandra) of Omaha, Kenya of McAllen, TX and daughter Kimberlyn (Aaron) Webb of Fort Worth, TX. Grandchildren Damion L. Thomas, Kelvin Crandell, Jr, Caden Bedford Crandell and Kimaya Webb. Sisters Erma Joseph of TX, the late Doris Moore (Willie) of Louisiana, Brenda Snyder (Jimmie) of South Carolina, and Carolyn Samms (Hubert) of TX. Uncle the late L.L. Brown (Annie) of Ruston, Louisiana. Aunt Ducky Alice (aka - D.A.) of TX. God-daughter Phyllis McQueen Smith (John) of Washington and God-son - FeLyk McCarter of TX. Sister in-law - Gloria Veal of Maryland. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.