Funeral services for Theda Faye Brister Zellars, 86, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas with Rev. James Frazier officiating. Interment will be held in the Greenwood Cemetery in Pineville, Louisiana on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas. Theda Faye Brister Zellars, "Tee" was born May 18, 1928 in Tioga, Louisiana to Milton and Minnie Jordan Brister. She passed away May 3, 2015 in her home surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William "Bill" Zellars, her brothers Marvin Brister and Earl Brister, two step-children Karen Zellars and Kent Zellars, and her previous spouse Richard "Dick" Dill. She is survived by her children Debra Tallant and husband Chuck, Brad Dill and wife Carolyn, Ashley Martin and husband Joey, step children Nina Dimiceli and husband Mike, and Janet Ray; grandchildren Vince Tallant and wife Brianne, Jason Dill and wife Crystal, Beth Tallant and Kayla, Taylor Foxworth and Lance Smith, Jordan Foxworth, Quaid Martin, Brian Koecher and wife Kami, Stephen Dimiceli and wife Erin, Krista Roach and husband Aaron, Jason Dimiceli and wife Jennifer, Stephanie Juarez and husband Eric, Amanda Kirane, Justin Zellars, and Joshua Zellars; great grandchildren Sophia and Austin Tallant, Abagayle Baldwin, Kaylen and Brodey Koecher, Mia and Olivia Dimiceli, Emily Dimiceli, Micah Juarez, Chase, Riley, and Ansley Roach, and Addison Zellars, and nieces Madeline England and husband Bobby and Phyllis Pankey, and their children.

Tee graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana and went on to graduate with her degree in teaching from Louisiana College in Pineville, LA. She obtained her Master's of Science from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Prior to her arrival in Livingston, she taught for 18 years in Louisiana before going to work for the State Department of Education in Baton Rouge. She began her career in Livingston at Livingston Junior High and moved to the High School the following year teaching physical science, biology, marine science, and human anatomy. She also served as the Department Chair for the Science Department.

In 2000, she retired from full time teaching, but after 3-4 months she decided retirement just wasn't for her. She returned to teaching at the GED/Adult Learning Center. The following year, she began working with the newly created Challenger Program and remained there until her health declined in late 2011. The Challenger program allows individuals to meet their requirements for graduation while also meeting other responsibilities such as full-time jobs or parenthood.

Her interests included spending time with her family, reading, and needlepoint. She made 23 Christmas stockings for her entire family which will be cherished for many years. She took great pride in her teaching and her students. One of her greatest pleasures was the time she spent with former students, close friends, and colleagues, whose lives she touched. Other than her family, she considered her greatest achievements to be that of encouraging students to reach their potential, believe in themselves and work hard to achieve their goals.

She received the Polk County Chamber of Commerce Educator awards in 2001 and 2011.

We would also like to take the time to thank all those involved in her care over the last years: Evette Damian, Alondra Delgado, Amber Davis, Dr Jerry Wood and staff, Dr Raymond Luna, Dr Mani, Dr Liberos, Dr Youssef, Dr Robert Hust, Gentiva Hospice, and the entire staff at CHI St Luke's Memorial Livingston Hospital. Special love to her closest friends Karen Brown Janecke ,Ruth Bass Hollenbeck, Sue Allen Murphy, Sue Froehner Nason, and Janet Morris.

Pallbearers will include some of her former students: Thomas Purvis, Don May, Bubba Jackson, Mark Marsh, Buck McClain, John McClain, Chip Theil, Jason Riddle, Richard Whatley, Steven Grimm, and Jeff Gardner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be designated in her name to the Green and White Scholarship Program at Livingston School District. Please contact Lea Davis at 936-328-2306.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.