Lisa Zapata

Lisa Zapata

After a courageous nine-month fight against leukemia, Lisa died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. Her beloved son, Derek was with her, offering encouragement, love and peace until the end. Lisa passed peacefully. She had heard the Heavenly Call; the Call to move away from this world of disease and uncertainty to the love and peace of eternal life. Amen. She expressed excitement with the prospect of a glorious heavenly reunion with her mother and brother. Lisa is with them now.

Born to a military family in Big Spring, Texas, she grew up in a life of moving and traveling and changing schools. Lisa was especially challenged when she was in the second grade. Then, in a one-year period, she went to three different schools in three different states. No problem for her. Following graduation from South Caldwell High School's Class of 1978, Lisa returned to California. There she took a degree in Human Resource Management from Sacramento State College. Her skill and dedication in the human resource field had her much in demand, even when hospitalized near the end of her life.

Lisa loved all her family and was always excited when visiting North Carolina. The family returned her love.

In 2007, Lisa was widowed by the death of her husband, Nelson Zapata. Without Nelson, she dedicated her life to loving, raising and providing for their son, Derek. She passed knowing that her son was well on his way to a happy rewarding life. That was her reward.

Preceding her in death was her mother, Gwendolyn Knight Wingate; and her brother, Douglas Wingate Jr.

Surviving and marveling at her wonderful life are son, Derek; brother, Charles; father, Retired Col. Douglas Wingate U.S. Air Force. Also surviving are uncle, Dr. John Wingate. Supporting her throughout her life were aunts, Vivian Croft, Mary Nell, Celia, Carol; and special aunt and confidante, Brenda. Lisa was a member of a group of high achieving cousins. This remarkable loving group of is scattered geographically from Guam to Orlando. Lisa was an advised and encouraged by longtime friends Dr. and Mrs. Fred Meyers of California.

A memorial service in honor of Lisa's life is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m. Friends and family will gather at the Patrick Murphy Apartment Complex, 142 Patrick Murphy Dr. in Morganton. Lunch will be served following our expressions of love and appreciation for Lisa's life. Burial is planned for a later date.

Evans Funeral Service and Crematory

www.evansfuneralservice.com