ZENOBIA NEZABETH GREGORY EARLS

SEPTEMBER 13, 1942 – NOVEMBER 3, 2025

Zee was born to the late William Tency Gregory, Sr. and Sarah Wilson Gregory on September 13, 1942 in Norfolk, Virginia. She attended public schools in Norfolk and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She entered Norfolk State University (then Norfolk State College) in 1960 where she met Julian Earls. Julian became her college sweetheart and they were married on June 3, 1962 at the end of their sophomore year. From that marriage they had two beloved sons, Julian, Jr. and Gregory.

Zee earned her B.S. Degree in Education from Norfolk State in January 1965. Also she earned her M.S. Degree in Education from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1978. She enjoyed a 31 year teaching career in the Cleveland Public School System retiring in 1998. She taught as a reading specialist in several elementary schools. Soon she was promoted to a supervisory reading specialist with several schools under her supervision. Zee was a dedicated teacher who missed contact with students, Therefore, she resigned her supervisory position and returned to being a classroom teacher. In that role she earned recognition and was honored as a Jennings Foundation Scholar. In retirement she volunteered as a reading tutor in the Warrensville Heights School System.

Zee was one classy lady, full of energy and was known for her St. John Knits. She was a proud Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition she was a member of, the Chums, the Carats, the Five Special, and the Birthday Club. However, she took great delight as Founder and Queen Mother of a Cleveland chapter the Red Hat Society. The chapter is known as The Sassy Red Hatters.

Zee was a strong woman who met the challenge of dialysis with strength and determination to the very end. After Zee was designated for dialysis, she discovered a talent that was most impressive…that of an artist. While her left arm was immobilized during dialysis sessions, Zee started painting with her right hand. And what an artist she turned out to be. Her paintings were so impressive that the Centers for Dialysis Care (CDC) featured an article about Zee in their 2022 Report to the Community.  The CDC produces calendars each year and traditionally includes a photo painting from an artist each month. For the first time two paintings from the same artist, Zee, were included in the 2023 calendar. Another was in the 2024 calendar. For the 2025 calendar, Zee’s paintings were used for the cover of the calendar and the month of February as well. Her paintings were included in an exhibit at the Beachwood Public Library in September 2023. And Zee’s Church, Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC sponsored a week-long exhibit solely featuring Zee’s paintings in November 2023. And her painting of a snow man was used for the Christmas card mailed statewide by CDC.

Zee was a member in good standing at Mt. Zion Congregational Church, UCC under the leadership of teacher, preacher, Pastor Paul Hobson Sadler, Sr. Her current membership is her second at Mt. Zion. During her first membership she was a member of the Deacon Board. Zee’s faith was exhibited in her Christian life and service to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Sarah Gregory, her brother William Tency Gregory, Jr. of Dumfries, Virginia, her brother Oliver Boone of Norfolk, Virginia and her sister, Barbara Burke, of Norfolk, Virginia.

She leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband of over 62 years: Dr. Julian M. Earls, Sr.; son, Dr. Julian M. Earls, Jr. (Dr. Pamela) of Macon, Georgia; son, Gregory Nathaniel Earls (Stephania) of Inglewood, California; granddaughters Madisyn and Mariah Earls of Macon, Georgia; brothers-in-law; Rev. Dr. Robert L. Earls (Karen) of Portsmouth, Virginia, Rev. Dr. James R. Earls of Portsmouth, Virginia;Raymond M. Earls (Linda) of Lithonia, Georgia;and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

 In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to:

Zenobia Earls Scholarship Fund

Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC

10723 Magnolia Drive

Cleveland. OH 44106