Zulema CUSSEAUX

CUSSEAUX, Zulema National Recording Artist and Tampa native, passed away Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, after a short illness. She was 66. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Oct. 12th, at 2 pm, at her Home Church, First Baptist Church of West Tampa, 1302 N. Willow Ave., with the pastor, Rev. Rayford Harper, officiating. She had one brother, the late Mr. Rene Govantes and has one surviving sister, Mrs. Barbara Rocha of Tampa. Ms. Cusseaux, to her family, was called "Zuli," to her friends, Zulema and in the recording industry, she became known as Ms."Z," which was also the name of one of her six albums. Zulema's recording career began in the late 60's, early 70's when she, along with Tampa natives Brenda Hilliard and Albert Bailey, formed the "Lovelles" (later becoming Faith, Hope and Charity) and was produced by Van McCoy. Their first recording, "So Much Love" became a top 20 R&B hit. Zulema began her solo career shortly after, with her self-titled album. She toured with major stars like Bill Withers and Sam and Dave. Survived by aunts, Margaret Mount, Maggie Cusseaux and Ann Cusseaux, of Miami; nephews, Rodney Govantes (Constance), Ronald Govantes (Ebony), Teofilo Govantes (Karah); niece, Zoriana Govantes; and loving family. Remains repose after 5 pm, Oct. 11th, at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Ave., family will receive friends 6-7 pm, asked to assemble at the church at 1:45 pm on Saturday. Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com