Zymora Lawrence Eikner

In Lynchburg, Virginia on the blessed day of October 4, 1932 – Zymora Lawrence Eikner; affectionately known as 'Zee", was the third child born to the late Robert and Maude Cage. Also preceding her in death: her husband – Clarence Eikner, her brother - Ernest Cage, her sister - Mozell Spring, 2 nephews - Henry Mason and Ronald Cage.
The childrearing that was continuously deposited on Zee's life by loving and caring parents and afforded her a remarkable life. Zee accepted Christ at an early age and grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia until the age of 11.
When her parents needed better working conditions, they moved to Houston, Texas in November 1943. She attended Blackshear Elementary School and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in January 1951. She initially attended Bluefield Teachers' College in Bluefield, WV. While attending college there, she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1952. She would later go on to attend Paul Quinn College, in Waco, TX, in 1954 where she earned a BA degree and later earned her master's degree from Texas Southern University.
Zee joined Pilgrim Congregational Church of Christ for 25 plus years where she was an avid Sunday School Student and enjoyed working with Vacation Bible School and attended services regularly. She was involved in many organizations and activities at the church. She was on the Board of Trustees, in the Chime Choir, Prayer Chain, Pilgrim Sisters United and Church Women United.
Zee's passion for music led her to become a Music Teacher at Kennard High School and Carter G. Woodson High School in Dillwyn, Virginia and Campbell County High School in Rustburg, Virginia. In 1963, she was hired as a Testing Clerk for the Testing Center at Prairie View A&M University. Zee wrote a song for the Carter G. Woodson High School as well as McNamara Elementary School where she was a kindergarten teacher. She was a member of the Friends of Houston Ebony Opera Guild (HEOG) and Senior Residence at the WALIPPBible Study where she introduced the singing of hymns. When she was 70, Zee learned to play the harp. Her dream was to teach young girls the art of how to play. Her first student was Mia Butler who is 20 years old now and studying the harp at the University of Colorado's School of Music. Her love for art drove her to participate in Art showings for seniors at the Community Artist Collective. She made annual trips to visit her niece Cookie, where she enjoyed attending plays at Sight and Sound theater in Lancaster, PA. and she enjoyed gardening andpainting.
Zee married the love of her life – Clarence Eikner in 1968. They were married for 34 years and enjoyed vacationing on many Caribbean Cruises. Later in life, Zee sojourned to South Africa where she enjoyed the South African people. As a result of her love for the Arts, Zee created and orchestrated school plays. She played many instruments, and the harp was undoubtedly her favorite instrument. Her hobbies included taking care of stray cats, a rooster named Carlos, painting pictures, and writing poetry.
Zee departed this earthly life on Friday, May 2, 2025. She leaves to mourn her passing, yet cherish her memories: 4 nephews: Michael Cage (Arlene) of Philadelphia, PA; Dr. Matthew Duncan of San Jose, CA; Dr. Walter Duncan (Joan) of San Antonio, TX and Ernest Fields of Ashton, MD; 4 nieces: Angela Blackwell (Dwayne) of Philadelphia, PA, Ernestine Cage-Bryant (Eric) of Garnet Valley, PA, Karen Pendleton (James) of Garnet Valley, PA, and Wilhelmina Prier of Middletown, OH; 1 first cousin: Ernestine Bass of Crewe, VA; College roommate and dear friend: Dorothy Anthony; 5 special friends: Ann LaMott, Vivian Roberts, Yvette Scales, Carolyn Spears, and Renee Thompson; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.