Zelma Mae French Ashabranner, age 92, of Lake City, formerly of Leachville, passed from this life Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born and raised in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late John Luther and Martha Ellen Smith Nance and had been a longtime resident of Arlington, TX before returning to Northeast Arkansas in 2008. Zelma had been an employee of Brown Shoe Company, formerly of Leachville for 17 years before making her home in Texas. While there she worked as an apartment complex manager before retiring in 1995. Zelma had a strong work ethic and was always busy doing something. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. Always faithful to her church, she was a longtime member of the Church of God in Osceola. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 sons, Franklin Dewayne French and Robert Kenneth French; 4 brothers, Murrell Nance, Collier Nance, Vassar Nance and Herndon Nance; 3 sisters, Vama Hayden, Thelma Wyatt and her twin sister, Alma Dulaney.

Survivors include:

Her son, Michael French of Arlington, TX

Daughter, Sharon Winford of Lake City

Her son-in-law Glen and daughter-in-law Tracey.

She also leaves 4 grandchildren, Chad Winford, Kim Kelley, Melissa French and Trevor French and 8 great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Savannah, Brennan, Kade, Bryson, Kash, Kase and Ezra.

Funeral Services will be 3 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Rev. James England officiating. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers will be Glen Winford, Chad Winford, Trevor French and Michael French. The family will receive visitors Monday afternoon from 2 until service time.