Zelma Thracia Dawn Neighbors, age 69, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Feb. 1, 2012.
Zelma Thracia Dawn Parker was born to Alena Parker and Riley Parker in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Aug. 30, 1942. She was the eldest child and had six younger brothers.
She met Willis Rollin Neighbors at a pastor's wife's dinner. Zelma and Willis were united in holy matrimony Feb. 16, 1963. Throughout their married life, Zelma and Willis lived in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Riverside in California and Klamath Falls, Ore. Feb. 16, 2012, would have been Zelma's and Willis' 49th wedding anniversary. Zelma and Willis raised six children Thracia Neighbors-Crim, Rollin Neighbors, Alena Neighbors-Wagreich, Anita Neighbors, Tyrone Neighbors and Deborah Neighbors. She dearly loved her daughters-in-law Cheryl Neighbors and Amanda Neighbors and her son-in-law Richard Wagreich. She also left behind her best friend Deborah Kelly Reid and Godson James Mc Rae.
Zelma had a kind and peaceful spirit and was a beautiful soul. After graduating from Central High School in Oklahoma City, she attended Los Angeles Business College. She was a Sunday school teacher in her 20s and 30s. She volunteered at a Head Start school in Klamath Falls for a short time. Zelma had an incredible singing voice. She sang in her high-school choir and continued to sing in church and other settings. She was also a prolific writer, songwriter, and poet. She enjoyed singing, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild, traveling with her husband, and learning. She also had a passion for meeting people.
She is survived by her husband, children, seven grandchildren Sheri Noble and husband Casey Noble, John Gerhardt, Gregory Grant, Triston Neighbors, Paige Juaregui, Khaya Neighbors, and Tymen Neighbors, one great-grandchild Isaac Noble, and siblings Richelew Parker, Frank Parker, Terrus Parker, Riley Parker, and Carlton Parker. She also left behind many beloved friends and family.
Zelma's brother Kirk Allen Parker pre-deceased her.
Funeral services and celebration of life will be held Monday, Feb. 6, at noon at Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd, now located at 2680 Memorial Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601-5546, (541-883-3458). Visitation Sunday Feb. 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the chapel.
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Published by Herald And News on Feb. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Zelma Neighbors

Sponsored by anonymous.

32 Entries

Zelma (19), Carrie (19), Beverly (15)

Beverly Fletcher-Nation

February 3, 2021

We three were teenagers together. Two of us left way too soon...I think of you both...often.

December 29, 2013

Your love for God & your heart to share his love will forever endure! Always remembered! Never forgotten!

November 14, 2013

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

August 4, 2013

Forever cherished! Never forgotten!

April 25, 2013

Missing You!

Peace and many blessings to you all.

March 23, 2012

I am so sorry to read about Mrs Neighbor's passing. I just happened upon her obituary while searching for my childhood classmates, Thracia being one of them. I remember the family living across the street from 122nd St School. I remember Mr and Mrs Neighbors' keen interest in their three children's, at the time, education. They were, and I hope that they still are, a very strong, decent, loving, and tightly-knitted family.

Revonda Perce

February 29, 2012

Dear Willis and family - it is with a selfishly sad heart that I am writing this note. I have so many fond memories of Zelma and all of you...she was truly a light in my life and a sister who constantly showed me the way to the Lord.. I know that the moment her spirit took hold of the Lords all the Angels in Heaven rejoiced. I will treasure all the notes and songs she wrote for me, every moment we spent together...She will forever be a living example of Gods grace and beauty here on earth...please be sure you have my number 541-892-2576 is my cell and my house phone here in Arizona is 928-377-3740. I would so cherish hearing from you.

Richard and Donna (Gray) Schmerbach

February 16, 2012

Dear Mr. Neighbors and Family,
I got to know your Mom a bit while you kids were students at KU and she would come to Parent-Teacher Night, interested to find out what you were up to in class. At those meetings your Mom was quiet, almost shy, but her pride and love for each of you was clear to see. She was always ready to support your efforts in any way she could, always proud of your progress and accomplishments. While my heart aches for your loss, I know her spirit will accompany you throughout your lives. She will always be close by, right there with each of you as long as you live.

Joyce Maxwell

February 15, 2012

Dear Willis and Family--I only learned of Zelma's passing this week. I am so sorry you have lost your dear loved one. I had missed her at Body Recall. We enjoyed visiting and talking about our daughters going to University of Oregon. Such a sweet lady and so proud of her family. I feel privileged to have known her. I'm so glad she got to enjoy a trip to Hawaii, something she had always wanted. Thinking of you and your family, Joyce M.

Monica Orbegoso

February 7, 2012

What i most remember about Zelma in conversations was the warmth and love she exuded when talking about her husband and family. It was obvious how much she cherished them and how grateful to God she felt to have them in her life. I feel privileged to have met and known her.

Mary Eddens- Larrinaga

February 6, 2012

Zelma had such a gift to lift up and encourage others. She saw the best in others. She will be greatly missed.

Frank Parker

February 6, 2012

My sister was a special sister who I could talk to when I was hurting. She has shown me kindness throughout my life. When I was trying to relocate to Oregon years ago she opened her house and home to me and made me feel welcome and showed me kindness and love. I appreciate what my sister did for me and I will never forget what she did for me. I know that you are in a million times better place with daddy, momma and Kirk and many loved ones and the saints of the ages. I Love You Zelma. With Love Your Brother Frank

tracy hardimon

February 6, 2012

zelma, wow!! what a wonderful cousin. zelma and my mother lorene were true pals and i think they were each others favorites. they truly loved each other very much. just want to let all of the family know is that you all still have each other and also a wonderful father. love you all!!

your cousin

tracy hardimon

Joe Velasquez

February 6, 2012

Aleana and Rich

Auburn & I share our deepest sympathy and pray for you and your family's loss.
Auburn and I are so fortunate to have met Zelma and always remember her kind and loving heart .
Joe and Auburn Velasquez

February 6, 2012

I knew your family years ago and was also touched by all of you. I am so sorry for your loss, she was an amazing and beautiful lady, and will be missed. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kimberlee McReynolds Pershall

February 5, 2012

Dear Deborah and family; My deepest symphaty during this time of loss. Our Church in Eugene asked me to let you know they love you and will be praying for you and your family. Aracely Oceguera

The Hardimon Family

Deborah Jacobs-Cantrell

February 5, 2012

I believe Dear Cousin Zelma touched many lives and a great spiritual inspiration to all. Zelma and my Dear Mother (Lorene) had a very special bond; sharing many life experiences and love of God. Now both are rejoicing and celebrating the gift of eternal life. Thank God for Cousin Zelma. Sincerely, Deborah

Toni Eivers

February 5, 2012

I have always admired the dedication to and emphasis on family that Zelma and Willis have practiced and instilled in their children, the support and care each has given when there is a family member in need - a wonderful legacy for our grandchildren, Triston, Khaya and Tymen.

Zelma will be missed.

Tim Wells

February 5, 2012

To Willis and the rest of the Neighbors family, our deepest sympathy, love and prayers to all of you during this time of loss. Love the Wells Family(Tim, Kristina, and Kendall)

Kraig Jacobson

February 5, 2012

Mary Beth and I met Zelma through her youngest daughter, Deborah, who was a caregiver in our home when she was attending the University of Oregon. We had the pleasure of hosting Deborah's graduation at our home and had a chance to meet the entire family. We were very impressed with the close knit family with Zelma and Willis as the proud parents and grandparents of an impressive extended family. Family and faith was the primary focus of their lives together. I had the pleasure to attend the “Honoring Dinner” that they had for Zelma and Willis in May 22, 2010 which was a beautiful example of the respect and love that all their children had for Zelma and Willis. It is with this same love and devotion that the family is now laying Zelma to rest. We all will miss Zelma very much. Our deepest sympathies to the entire Neighbors family. Kraig and Mary Beth Jacobson

February 5, 2012

Your presence will greatly be missed.

Always
Shannon Neighbors & Seandell White

Beverly Fletcher

February 5, 2012

Dear Zelma
You are the best of the best and I will never forget you.
Beverly

Beverly Fletcher

February 5, 2012

Dear Zelma
You are the best of the best and I will never forget you.
Yours truly,
Beverly

George & Kyle Wagreich

February 5, 2012

We were truly blessed to have known Mrs. Neighbors. The way she embraced not only our brother Richard but us as well was truly heart-warming. She was truly a great person and will be deeply missed.

Honora & Ira Wagreich

February 5, 2012

We will always remember Zelma as the Patriarch of family. It still brings a warm smile to our face when we remember the day our son Richard married her daughter Alena and Zelma proudly said, “There is no groom or bride side. We are one family, sit wherever you want.” Her loss is ours as well but we will always cherish the fact that there is no in-law. We are one family and mourn the loss of a family member.

Carlton Parker

February 4, 2012

Zelma was always the older sister I could come to when I needed prayer about a trying situation. She always had the sweet agape spirit that our mother shared. I know she is in the best place. I love my sister and know she is with Kirk and our parents in the highest light of bliss. Her spirit still shines in her beautiful, well adjusted, honorable, active and achieving children which are her wonderful legacy.

Michelle Parker

February 4, 2012

Dear Aunt, you and Grandma Alena Parker were the two people who helped me understand what it meant to be a Parker. There was a time when I just didn't know. I will miss your soft, soft spirit, and radiating kindness. I don't think I ever told you -- but I was inspired by your steadfast example of motherhood. You were brilliant with your children - and that was a complete inspiration, and revelation to me. You will be sorely missed.

Delores Fontenot

February 4, 2012

LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLE!!!
To my dear cousins we the Fontenot Family of Beaumont & Houston Texas wish to send our condolences to Our Cousin Zelma' Family & Friends. We regret that we never had the chance to meet her but your legacy speaks and it will live on through your love ones.

Waiting on Him!

Vera J Thompkins

February 4, 2012

To Jackie my sister in Christ and her family. The Lord tells us. Though we see through a glass darkly, but yet we will come face to face. And though we know in part, we prophesy in part, but when that which is in part is done away with, then we will see Him face to face. This is my words of comfort to you. In other words, they are just on the other side of the door.And one day we will open it and see them standing there waiting for us. Most of ALL, Jesus! Love you my sister. Be Blessed.

Michelle Wagreich

February 4, 2012

I will always remember standing in front of you listening to you sing at Alena & Richard's wedding. I greatly appreciated the way you would listen when I talked about my writing. It meant alot speak to a 'kindred spirit'. I know you are with God now and have become one of His treasured Angels, yet you will always be missed, loved, & remembered.

Jacqueline Hardimon-Shandy

February 4, 2012

I love you and miss our talks and your words of encouragement and all those prayers that went up for me and my guys,(my sons Reuben, and Ryan) and grandson Tristen. I cherish all the cards Zelma sent me while overseas, they came always at the right time. I know to be absent from the body you are now present with our Lord. But I still really miss my cousin and will always cherish our friendship. Thank you God for one of the gifts you have given me. Which was my cousin Zelma.

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