The Joy of Excellence

Nellie Lee (Jefferies) Zachry
December 21, 1934 – March 7, 2014
Surface Creek resident, Nellie Lee Zachry, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2014. She was 79.
There will be a gathering of family and friends to honor and celebrate Nellie’s life on Friday, March 14, 2014, from 2 – 4:00 p.m. at her home, 920 S.E. Third Street, Cedaredge, CO.
Nellie Lee Jefferies was born to Clarence and Willie Lee (Dymke) Jefferies on December 21, 1934, in Hebbronville, Texas. She grew up in Houston, graduating from Lamar High School in 1952. She received her bachelor’s in education at North Texas State University in Denton, Texas, and her master’s at Texas A & M.
Nellie married the love of her life, Abner Shelton Zachry, III, on August 4, 1956, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas. She and Abner resided in Grand Junction for 22 years before moving to Cedaredge in 1995. The couple celebrated 57 years of marriage last year.
Nellie loved teaching, and for more than 31 years was dedicated to teaching English and Latin to her junior and high school students. She taught in several areas including Forsan, TX; College Station, TX; Knox Co, TN; Albuquerque, NM; Burton, TX; Crane,TX; Kermit, TX; and Grand Junction, CO.
Nellie was a member of Eckert Presbyterian Church and a former member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction. She was also a member of several organizations including The Daniel Morgan Chapter of DAR; Happy Bookers; Surface Creek Historical Society; Beta Sigma Phi; and was a volunteer for HopeWest Hospice in Delta. Nellie had many interests. She was an avid reader who loved learning and serving others. She also enjoyed computers and music. Most importantly, she loved and cherished her family.
Nellie is survived by her husband of 57 years, Abner Shelton Zachry, III of Cedaredge, CO; their son, Karl Scott Zachry and wife, Lael Wiseman of Denver, CO; their daughter, Karen Louise Gardner and husband, Wayne of San Antonio, TX; and eight grandsons.
Nellie was preceded in death by her only sibling, Clarence B. "Jeff" Jefferies.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made in Nellie’s memory to the Surface Creek Community Services Food Bank, P.O. Box 963, Cedaredge, CO 81413.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com.