Mr. Zebulun Ezra Ariel

Zebulun Ezra Ariel was born George W. Green, Jr. on April 24, 1951 in Huntsville, Alabama, the sixth (of eight) child of George W. Green and Lela V. Green. Zebulun graduated from Huntsville High School.
He received his bachelor's degree from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, he obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work from Temple University and gained employment as a social worker with the Department of Human Services in the City of Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, Zebulun also invested in real estate via rental properties before returning to Huntsville in 1999. When Zebulun returned to Huntsville, he found employment with Alabama A&M University as a counselor in the college dormitories. His understanding of people, supported by his training in psychology served him well in his work as a counselor. These skills would be called upon once again, as Zebulon subsequently developed a long, successful career in sales. Anyone who knew Zebulun knew he was a natural salesman. He was extraordinarily intellectually curious, which resulted in a passion for the discovery of new products and services. He was a natural connector of and with people and he cared to ensure that his customers received products and services that would enhance their lives. He had seemingly limitless energy and passion. The combination of these virtues made sales both a career and a calling for Zebulun.
To describe Zebulun's life is to describe the essence and joy of life and living. An early riser, Zebulun was enthusiastic for the day and for life. Many of you have received (and perhaps been awoken by) his early morning calls. He cared deeply for his family and friends and would often reach out to connect. He embodied a "full" personality and a spirit of adventure. He loved family, music, science, nature, travel, technology, debate, and people. A lover of nature, anywhere Zebulun traveled, he would find a park, a lake or a hill to climb. For many years, he even kept a picnic blanket, as well as a kite in his trunk so that if he could catch a good breeze, he could fly it. He cultivated deep knowledge of and was conversant on all manner of topics: Science, Politics, History, Pan-africanism you name it! He was one of those people who seemed to have something intelligent and substantive to say about any topic. He enjoyed discovering, collecting and even refurbishing objects and bringing them back to their original glory. He was handsome, well-dressed and the life of the party! He had a full boisterous laugh and loved to have fun and was masterful at showing those around him a good time! He also loved good, healthy food, which might explain his seemingly limitless energy. And perhaps to a small degree, his passion could be explained by the fact that everywhere he went and no matter what he was eating, he had to procure and apply the spiciest hot sauce available. He loved Jazz music and many other genre's, especially music that stirred the spirit, such as trumpet and saxophone-filled experimental jazz.
Zebulun loved to travel. During college, he did an externship in San Francisco and talked about his love for the Bay area for the rest of his life. While in San Francisco he converted to Islam. His travels also took him to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Instanbul and The Gambia, the home country of his wife Rohie Daba. He took Rohie to Paradise Island in The Bahamas, Hawaii and Jamaica. His last trip with his wife Rohie Daba was to Montreal in Canada.
Among Zebulun's many outstanding qualities was the way he regarded family and people. He was extraordinarily generous and compassionate. He gave you his full attention and had a way of making you feel appreciated, loved and prioritized when in his company. His generosity was observed in Huntsville, including in the Gambian and Muslim communities he met through his wife, Rohie Daba. His Gambian family affectionately called him "Baba America!" He loved his wife deeply and was protective of her. He cherished his children and contributed to their lives in highly impactful and transformational ways.
To be with Zebulun was to learn, grow and be inspired! He has been described as having a pure heart. Fun, funny, intelligent, smart! These are all adjectives that spring forth when thinking of him. In addition, he was highly responsible and extraordinarily hard working!
Zebulun was deeply committed to his spiritual growth and study with the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research (IDMR). He discovered IDMR in Huntsville around the year 2000 and diligently and enthusiastically attended classes and would share his passion for his learnings with all who would listen.
Zebulun passed away peacefully on August 3, 2023 in Huntsville, Alabama. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Rohie Daba Ceesay; his children Yasmin Fuller (Kenneth Grant), Shaul Barakyahu (Kay), Nia Green, George Alexander Green, Fatima Touray (Muhamad), Haddy Sanneh, Mariama Moriba Mansaray and Abdullah Mansaray. His legacy also includes grandchildren Quincy, Kyra, Franklin, Shakhanah, Shamar, Abdullah and Khanahn. He also leaves to cherish his memory his brothers Dr. Roosevelt Green (Matlyn), Rev. Alvin Green, Sr., Rev. Arthur Green (Yvonne) and Melvin Green (Glenda) and his sister Janet Allen as well as a host of family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents George W. Green and Lela V. Green, his sister Mary Green and brother William Howard Green. Sr.
The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement. Thank you for surrounding us with your love and support. May God Bless and Keep You!
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Dr. James Vaughn as eulogist and Pastor Arthur Green officiating. Interment will be in the Northside Cemetery.
The Ariel family will receive guests from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
Public viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2023, and 8:30 until 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home. There will be no public viewing on Monday, August 7, 2023.
To view the service of Mr. Zebulun Ezra Ariel, please click on the link below: https://vimeo.com/event/3613651
Please note the link will not be active until service time at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2023.