Zella Valentine
Alton |
Mrs. Zella Valentine was born on April 30, 1942, in Mattson, Mississippi to Mr. & Mrs. Albert and Josephine (Herron) Banks Sr. who both precedes her in death.
Zella accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour at an early age. After accepting Christ, she always talked about the goodness of God and the wonders of his works. Zella was strong in her faith. She spent time in the secret place and rested in the shadow of the all-mighty God.
Zella attended Madison Sr. High school in Madison, Illinois. Zella was an experienced bartender. She was a Bus Driver for the Alton School District and then later transitioned into a career with Millers Mutual Insurance Company where she retired.
Zella was united in Holy matrimony on November 12, 1960, to Alvin Valentine Jr. To this union were born three children. In 1988, she joined Zion Baptist Church under the direction and leadership of Reverend Joe L. Bryant. During her membership, she humbly served as Sunday School Secretary, Choir President, Church Announcer, Food Pantry Committee Volunteer, and Server. She was an avid model and highlighted various hair designs in so many places for Mr. Oscar Taylor, and appeared on many stages.
Zella was also known for her impeccable cooking abilities. There was not a dish that she served that would not leave a person not asking for another serving or a “to-go plate.” However, the sweet potato pies that Zella baked would create long lines and at times caused people to brush elbows over the last piece. The demand for her pies was the start of her baking individual pies for friends and loved ones. Zella would never turn anyone away that was hungry. She went beyond to ensure that she put the needs of any child first.
In her spare time, Zella enjoyed traveling, all-day thrifting, yard sales, and fishing. Singing was a passion for her. Whether she was in church, in a store or working, or in the yard, her voice echoed traveling to and from heaven. Many would stop and gather just to hear the “Angel sing”. Zella (Pea/Pete) traveled and sang with three gospel quartets: The Gospel Pearls of Alton, The Tones of Harmony of St. Louis, and The Gospel Redeemers of St. Louis. As Zella’s life expanded, she continued to be a force of light to be reckoned with. She shined bright within her community and among those who were blessed to be in her presence.
On April 12, 2022, Heaven called Zella Valentine home to sing in the heavenly choir. She is proceeded her in death by both her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Albert and Josephine Banks Sr., her brother, Albert Banks Jr, Adrian Banks (son), Autumn Valentine (daughter).
Zella (Pea/Pete) leaves to cherish her life and legacy, (Husband) Reverend Alvin Valentine Jr. of Madison, Illinois; (Daughter) Rosanita Valentine of Alton, Illinois; (Step-children) Anitra (Charles) Fields, Alvin (Tiffany) Valentine Jr.; (Siblings) Deborah Buchanan, Carlos Banks, Mazie (Chris) Turner; (In-laws) Willard (Sandee) Valentine, Victor (JoAnn) Valentine, Autumn Mitchell, Terrance Jimerson, Sue (Larry) Coleman, Wendy Jimerson, Etta Banks; Longest living first cousin Lurvoice McFarland; Special sisters: Rose (Hearn) Williams, Ruby (Berry) Williams and Mother Gertrude Bryant; Grandchildren; Veronica Hill, Rheashaunta Valentine, Joshua Miller, Antonio Floyd; (Step Grand-children) AsheRaye, Ana, Aneya Williams; Great-grandchildren: Aiynjel and Khadiyn Dobbins, D’Mario, Tameus, and Zaniyha Hill, Adrian Smith, Taylor Huntley, Joshell Miller and a host of very special loved ones she specifically called her own.
John 12:21 reads, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Harrison Funeral Chapel
