Zara Zerby

Zara Rozelle "Zee" Zerby, 83, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025. She was born on June 1, 1942, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late Henry Allen Zerby and Marguerite Barnes Zerby.

Known simply as "Zee" to all who loved her, she was a woman full of life, laughter, and determination. Zee had a natural gift for connecting with people, which made her an extraordinary salesperson no matter the industry. Her favorite role, and the one she spoke of most fondly, was as a Portrait Consultant for Olan Mills (later Lifetouch), where she earned top salesperson honors for many consecutive years.

Outside of work, Zee's heart was in the kitchen. She was a talented cook and was known far and wide for her award-winning chili, competing and winning numerous cook-offs across Texas, including the Texas State Fair in Dallas. She also loved "canning" vegetables and jellies, a tradition that brought joy to her friends and family every holiday season.

Zee's greatest pride and joy, however, was her family. She leaves behind five children: Michael Barnette, Stephanie Holopainen (Rick), Robby Knight (Jody), Chris Knight (Victoria), and James Nale, Jr.; one granddaughter, Ashley Barnette; three great-grandchildren, Liv Jolie Barnette, Reese Monroe Barnette, and Sadie Christopher; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael Allen Zerby.

Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Tower Oaks Apartments.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and CNAs of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Harbor Hospice, and Lake Charles Care Center, as well as to her friends at Tower Oaks Apartments for their love and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles.