Theda J Zimmerman

Theda Jolene Zimmerman, 1942-2024

Known as Jolene by all, Theda Jolene Zimmerman entered into eternal rest early on the morning of January 10, 2024, following a long illness. 

Born in 1942, she was the only child of Joe and Velta LaFoy of Wichita, Kansas. From an early age, Jolene demonstrated a keen interest and talent for music. While a student, she played the organ during convocations at Wichita High School North, and was the winner of the Concerto Aria competition at Wichita State University in 1962. It was while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education with a minor in pipe organ at Wichita State University that she met John J. Zimmerman III. They married June 13, 1965 and remained so for the next 58 years. 

Music, faith, and family were central in Jolene’s life. Over a period of 67 years, Jolene provided the soundtrack to countless weddings, funerals, graduations, and high school concerts. She served as organist at churches including St. Paul's Methodist Church, Wichita, Kansas; Junction City Church of the Nazarene, Junction City, Kansas; Southwood Church of the Nazarene, Raytown, Missouri; and Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, Missouri. Also a devoted teacher, she taught piano for over 50 years to scores of young students in the Kansas City area. Jolene worked as the activities coordinator and music director at Delmar Gardens of Olathe, and for a time ran a community food co-op out of her home. 

Along with John, Jolene was an avid reader, and together they amassed a library of books on a wide range of subjects, including history, religion, fiction, and poetry. She was happiest when among family, and she cherished the memories of the many trips she took with John to visit their sons in California and New York. Her enchanting smile, at once warm and knowing, as well as her enduring sense of humor, will be remembered fondly by those who loved her.

She is mourned by her husband John; her beloved sons Andrew, Bryan (Jessica Puglisi), Daniel, and Matthew (Jansy Sarathy); and her five grandchildren (Drew, Trentyn, Micah, Rohan, and Sidra); as well as innumerable family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 17 at 2 pm at Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene at 11811 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.