Zelma "Jackson" Broughton

Zelma (Jackson) Hutchinson-Broughton, 95, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on August 12, 1929, in Prenter, Boone County, West Virginia, to Lorenzo Dow Jackson and Mary (Gilbert) Jackson. In 1945, she moved to Ashley, Ohio, where she built a life rooted in love, family, and quiet strength.

Zelma was known for her incredible baking, especially her pies, each one made with a perfectly flaky crust that became legendary in the family. She always credited her secret pie crust recipe to a mystery woman she knew years ago, who shared it under one condition: that Zelma never tell a soul. True to her word, she kept that recipe to the end, even as multiple grandchildren tried to charm it out of her. It remains one of the family's favorite stories, part legend, part love, and all Zelma.

She often told tales of growing up with her siblings, recalling how they would head out into the fields to pick greens for dinner. Though she never had a driver's license, Zelma was fiercely independent. In the 1980s, she proudly earned an associate degree in computer science, a remarkable achievement and a testament to her determination.

Zelma's grandchildren fondly remember one of her most unexpected holiday traditions: every Christmas, she would take a single puff of a cigarette, just one, and then carry on with her day as if nothing had happened. It was classic Zelma, a little mysterious, a little mischievous, and completely unforgettable.

She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, where her faith was an important part of her life.

She had a quirky sense of humor, a twinkle in her eye, and a laugh that warmed every room. Her presence brought comfort, her stories brought laughter, and her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her children: Dolores (Martin) McKinniss, Debra Large, Lawrence Hutchison, and James (Judy) Hutchinson. She was preceded in death by her children: Kenneth Kanniard, Robert Kanniard, and Donna Landon; her brothers: Dallas, Clarence, Russell, Herman, Herbert, Jesse, and George Jackson; and her sisters Juanita Adkins and Rosella Jackson.

Zelma also leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each carrying forward a piece of her love and legacy.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and pie crust secrets that will forever live on in the hearts of her family.

There will be a private family service.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Zelma's family and your favorite memories and your condolences may be shared with them via www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.