Ms. Zealon Ratliff Surrency, 94, of 727 Cherry St., Blackshear, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2017,  at her residence, with her daughter, Sandra Thomas, in her presence.

She was born September 29, 1922 in Homerville, to the late Lonnie and Agnes Ratliff. She was the oldest of eight children and six preceded her in death, Retha and Lester dying as infants, and recent years Louis, Oza, Lester and James. She attended Lee Street School where she played basketball and earned passable grades. Her official educational pursuit ended after the tenth grade when she married Olin Lawrence Lawton. Mother Zealon birthed six children who were her greatest pride, whenever they earned a degree they wrote her name on a copy and sent it to her. She often said, “I didn’t finish high school, but I have six high school diplomas, two associate degrees, three bachelor degrees, three masters and one PHD.”

She leaves to celebrate her life four children, Johnny Lawton, Dallas, TX, Sandra Thomas, Blackshear, Charles Lawton, Atlanta,  and Michael Lawton ( Jan), Austin, TX; her sister, Mary Lee Robertson, Blackshear; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation and viewing will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at the funeral home, 505 Ware Street, Blackshear.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, from the Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 526 Lee Street, Blackshear. The Rev. Jimmie L. R. Green, Pastor, will bring words of comfort. Pastor Turlyn Betterson, of Victory Temple Deliverance Center Edgewater, NJ, is presiding.

Memorialization is by cremation.