Zelma Stutts

Zelma Mozelle (Pet) Stutts passed away on March 4, 2008, in Alvin, Texas, at the age of 95. She was born on September 16, 1912, in Thornton, Texas, the eighth child of John Milton and Mary M. Campbell. She lived most of her life in Thornton and graduated from Thornton High School, where she met Eldred Stutts, whom she married in a double wedding with her sister, Lillie Mae, on December 21, 1932. Pet lived independently until two months before her death, driving to Groesbeck and Mexia to shop. She kept an immaculate house and yard, doing all the work herself, including mowing the lawn and raking the leaves. She was likely the only person in town who mopped her garage regularly. She and Eldred owned and operated Stutts Grocery in Thornton for many years, until their retirement in 1976. After retirement, they devoted themselves to the upkeep of the King Cemetery. Pet was active in Thornton's Central Baptist Church for most of her life and seldom missed a service. She was pleased and happy with the church's new building, and she was able to make a trip home after Christmas to see the new pews. Pet is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Bill Crider of Alvin; by grandchildren, Angela Crider of San Francisco, California, and Allen Crider of Austin, Texas; by nieces and nephews Odis and Elaine Campbell and son Craig; Joyce and James Jackson and son Bill; Jimmie Raybon and children; Mary Cheek and children; John Banks Campbell and children; Johnny Neason; T. G. Neason; and by a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Eldred Stutts, and by her siblings Alvin Theopholis (Offie), Wiley Morgan (Skeet), Willie Faye (Punch), Lillie Mae and Odis Dare (Jim). Services will be held at Central Baptist Church in Thornton on Thursday, March 6, 2008, at 3 PM, with burial to take place in the Thornton Cemetery. Reverend Tracy Sims will officiate. Visitation with the family will be from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home in Thornton. Serving as pallbearers will be Allen Crider, Odis Campbell, Craig Campbell, Bill Jackson, John Banks Campbell, and J.C. Adams. James Jackson will serve as an honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Central Baptist Church would be appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff of Winchester Lodge in Alvin, along with Vonnie Henderson and Regina of Regency Hospice, for their kindness and concern during the final two weeks of Pet's life.