In Memory of

Zerlena

Tammy

Enoch

Combs

Obituary for Zerlena Tammy Enoch Combs

Celebration of Life“Life is for living and so is Death, for it is through Death that we live again.” (McGahee)


Zerlena Tammy Combs was born into this world on August 5, 1957, in Toledo, OH, entrusted to the care of the late Granville Jones and the late Angie O. Enoch. In this loving home she started to learn of God’s love and precepts. She learned how to accept love and how to give love along with the true meaning of, “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long…” (Exodus 20:12 KJV) for in transitional years she was their ‘caregiver’ and daughter upon whom they could depend.Christian nurturing led to her belief in God and early baptism at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church that fostered a lifelong personal relationship with God.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing but in rising every time we fall.” (Mandela) Thus, Zerlena lived her life with the attainment of an education at Rogers High School and later graduated from UT. This equipped her to master the duties of her occupation of a Travel Agent Team Mediator, provide service as Past President of Secor Gardens Neighborhood Association and as a participating Founder of the Urban Coalition. Living life with passion and vigor she married Jerry Combs and the union produced one child, Jerry, Jr. (preceded in death). She also gave life and love to Rashida, Zenovia, Imani and Giovanni. The responsibilities of motherhood became a driving force demanding the attentiveness of a hawk, sacrifices of selfless consideration and the gentleness of an angel. She wasstern but loving; and was always full of life, enthusiastic and ready to take on the world. Remembered as a fighter... her life's mission was to properly educate and raise the kids.

She loved the wonders that this world offered…the joys that God placed here for his children to share. Thus, her life had flavor, spiced with the hobbies of travel, bowling and child advocacy. She was a partof ‘the village’ as her doors were open, and arms stretched wide, welcoming children that found her home to be a safe haven. Any child could count on food and a little bit of a history lesson; because of her belief that knowledge should be passed down.

On,February 22, 2018, Zerlena Tammy Combs, purpose had been fulfilled, and she eased into blessed eternal rest. As her spirit soared, we, her loving children, Rashida Morris (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), ZenoviaMorris (Hollywood, CA), Imani Plater (Phoenix, AZ) and Giovanni Plater (Memphis, TN); Grandchildren, Rakyra, Irie and Tony Jr; brother, Sherman Enoch, sister Karen McLeven, other relatives and many loving friends; remain to cherish her memories.

We thank God for the 60 years he gave us with our loved one. She taught us that there is never a day that you should give up, and this will to live and love has passed on to us and is sealed in our hearts.