Zelma Faye Reid

Zelma Faye Reid
October 28, 1930 to February 1, 2025

Zelma Faye (Bond) Reid, 94 years old, of Folsom, CA, passed away on February 1st, 2025 peacefully in her sleep after a battle with cancer.

Born on October 28, 1930, in Colony, Oklahoma, to Birdie Irene and Lester Bond, Zelma’s life was a testament to her ambition, warmth, and profound love for those around her. Growing up on a working Oklahoma farm, she graduated from Alfalfa High School in 1949. Driven by her dream, Zelma pursued her aspirations in California, attending California Airlines College in Hollywood to become an airline hostess. She achieved her goal in 1950 and later returned to Oklahoma, where she enrolled in Oklahoma General School of Nursing. Zelma’s dedication and hard work paid off, and she graduated in 1953.

Zelma pursued a career in healthcare, working as an office nurse at various locations before embarking on a 30-year journey in cancer treatment and research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City. Her dedicated career culminated in a position at the Oklahoma Cancer Tumor Board.

Zelma met James (Jim) Kenneth Reid in high school. They reconnected in California in 1950, just before Jim was deployed to Korea. Their love story continued through letters and upon Jim’s return, they married in 1952. Together, they had one daughter, Sharita Reid Warden. After retirement, Zelma and Jim spent 12 years traveling across the United States in a fifth-wheel camper, exploring National Parks and states. They eventually settled in Lady Lake, Florida. In 2008, they moved to Folsom, California, to be closer to their daughter and family.

Zelma was a pillar of faith, kindness and servitude to everyone around her. She had an unwavering faith in the Lord that guided her through every challenge in life. But beyond her strength and determination, Zelma’s most defining trait was her incredible care for others. She was the most loving, compassionate person, always putting the needs of her family and friends above her own. Zelma had a special knack for making everyone feel valued and loved, and her gentle, nurturing presence will be missed by all who knew her.

Zelma was predeceased by both her parents and her brother, Preston Bond. She is survived by her daughter, Sharita Warden; brother, Ron Bond; sister, Sherry Peery; and three grandchildren: Kenneth (Reid) Collier, Austin Collier, and Elizabeth Collier. 

Services will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA on June 6, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society an organization that Zelma supported throughout her career.