Zona Allene "Nance" Broadus

Zona Allene (Nance) Broadus, 90, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at home. The daughter of Ishman and Zona (Gray) Nance, Zona was born on April 25, 1935, in Hallidayboro, Illinois. Zona grew up in Ward, IL, where she attended the one room school-house. She later moved to Carbondale, IL, and graduated from Attucks High School in 1954.

In 1956, she moved to Battle Creek, MI and married Ozzie Broadus. Allene and Ozzie raised 2 children together, Angela and Bruce. Sadly, Ozzie passed away in 1978 and Bruce passed in 1996.

Allene was a member of Mt. Zion AME Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Altar Guild Chairperson, and was a part of the missionary and youth department. She enjoyed teaching arts and crafts to vacation bible school students at the church and working with young people.

When she first came to Battle Creek, Allene worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the local hospitals. At the urging of her children, she decided to return to college and earn her Master's degree in social work. She loved her job as a social worker for the Battle Creek Public Schools, where she retired from in 2000.

Allene is survived by her daughter, Angela of Battle Creek; grandson, Dominic Dickson of Grand Rapids; granddaughter, Sky Morrow Broadus of Georgia; brothers, Vernon Nance of Battle Creek; sisters, Lavetta (Phillip) Evans of Los Angeles, Linda Haggins of Chicago, Bernita Willis of Fort Wayne; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Mount Zion AME Church, 364 West Van Buren Street, Battle Creek, MI 49037.

Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.