Zana Lummus

Dr. Zana Lou Lummus, Ph.D., aged 85, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.
Zana was a brilliant and deeply principled scientist whose pioneering work in immunology, cancer, and occupational asthma advanced both scientific understanding and the protection of human health. But beyond her many titles and achievements, she was a woman driven by curiosity, courage, and conviction-a lifelong seeker of knowledge who believed fiercely in truth, education, and justice.
Zana was born in Fouke, AR and grew up in the suburbs of Houston, TX. Following her graduation from Pasadena High School she earned her B.S. from Texas Tech University in 1961 and her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 1966. Her intellectual journey continued across continents, earning a Diploma of Education (Tertiary) from Monash University in Australia in 1976 and, many years later, a Certificate of Medical Technology from the University of Cincinnati in 2002-a testament to her enduring commitment to learning and discovery at every stage of life. She was a registered microbiologist with the American Academy of Microbiology, a member of the American Association of Immunologists, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology, and Sigma Xi Honorary Scientific Research Society.
Throughout her career, Zana held academic and research appointments at some of the nations and world's leading institutions, including The Ohio State University, Oberlin College, Georgia State University, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She also spent nearly a decade in Australia engaged in research and teaching. She authored or co- authored nearly one hundred research papers and conference presentations. Her work is widely cited and respected in the scientific community. She belonged to many organizations devoted to encouraging and supporting women in science.
Outside the lab and classroom, Zana's curiosity never waned. She was a voracious reader who enjoyed political biographies, mysteries, science fiction and historical fantasy. She closely followed world events. She was a devoted supporter of PBS and public education, believing deeply in the power of knowledge to shape a more thoughtful and compassionate society.
In her later years, Zana turned her drive toward civic life, speaking out for democracy, peace, justice, and educational opportunity. A tireless volunteer, she gave countless hours to local political campaigns, and local and national progressive, veteran and environmental advocacy organizations. She served as an election precinct official and provided supporter housing for campaign staff. In recognition of her service and leadership, she was named Woman of the Year by the Campbell County Democratic Women's Club in 2016 and was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Beshear, the Commonwealth's highest civilian honor.
Zana was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchel O. Lummus and Zettie (Etheridge) Lummus, and by her brother, Johnny Lane Lummus. She is survived by her children, Samantha L. Herd and Mark M. Herd, who will forever cherish her unconditional love, intellect, wit, and passion for life, as well as by her beloved sister and confidant, Ona Sue Lummus.
Those who knew Zana will remember her as a woman of fierce intelligence and deep faith, whose life embodied both scientific discipline and human compassion. Her legacy endures not only in the advances she made to science, but in the countless lives she inspired through her example of courage, curiosity, and purpose.
Visitation will be held Monday, Oct 27, 2025, from 4pm to 6pm at the First Christian Church of Fort Thomas, 1031 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas, KY 41075. A service will be held immediately after at 6pm with Rev. Ronald Sinclair officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the COPD Foundation.
Online condolences can be given at www.dmefuneral.com.