Zelda Jane Hignight
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Funeral services for Zelda Jane Hignight, 93, Eudora will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel in Eudora. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, KS.
She was born December 22, 1921 in Lanagan, MO to Hattie Mead and Lewis Richardson and was the 7th of 8 children. She married Reverend Frank Hignight on February 6, 1939 in Liberty, MO by the Justice of the Peace.
Zelda was a woman of extraordinary devotion to her family and her church. Everyone who knew Zelda loved her and found that she was a confidant, supporter, wise counselor and encourager. In her early years, she sang gospel music on the radio with three of her sisters. They were known as the Richardson Sister’s Quartet.
She and Frank instilled the love of God and music in each of their children resulting in generational blessings to the youngest in their extended family. Their talents with singing and Frank’s guitar playing were well known.
They ministered together through the Church of God, Cleveland, TN and devoted their lives in service to God always thinking of others before themselves. They pastored a small church in Bonner Springs, Kansas for many years. Zelda tirelessly taught Sunday school and supported Frank’s ministry throughout their marriage.
Zelda went home to be with the Lord, December 25, 2014 in Lawrence, KS joining the heavenly celebration she envisioned before her passing with those who had gone before her. Among those welcoming her home were her husband, Frank, a granddaughter, Mary Beth Hignight and six of her seven siblings: Flossie Huston, Neva Newport, Goldie Caldwell, and Elmer, Elvie and Dale Richardson, and her momma and daddy (that’s what she called them until her death). Hattie and Lewis Richardson, Paul Detherage, a son-in-law whom she considered a son and a great-great granddaughter, Taylor Renfro also joined her homecoming celebration.
She is survived by her children, Donna Detherage, Wayne and Mark Hignight all of Louisburg, KS and Cheryl Cox (husband Brent, who she also considered a son) Eudora, KS, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and her sister, Violet Carr of Cleveland, TN along with a host of loving family and dear friends.
The family will greet friends from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. one hour prior to the service on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Douglas County Salvation Army and may be sent in care of the mortuary.