Zelda Roberts-Lewis

Zelda Maria Roberts, affectionately known as “Zel,” was born on May 2, 1961, in Los Angeles, California, to Lloyd Roberts Sr. and Nina Gray. As the second of four children, she shared a profound and lifelong bond with her siblings Cynthia, Lloyd, and David whom she loved with fierce loyalty and unwavering devotion.

Zelda accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, becoming a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Later in life, she joined City of Refuge under Bishop Noel Jones, where she continued to grow spiritually and strengthen her relationship with God. Her faith was not simply practiced in church but lived out daily in her generosity, patience, and willingness to serve others.

Her educational journey began at 59th Street Elementary School, continued through Horace Mann Middle School, and culminated in her proud graduation from Crenshaw High School, Class of 1979. During her years at Crenshaw, Zelda was a dedicated member of the Crenshaw Cougars Marching Band, where she played the clarinet alongside with her brother, Lloyd. After high school, she continued her education at Los Angeles Southwest College, earning her degree as a Registered Nurse in 1985 and beginning a lifelong career defined by compassion, excellence, and service.

In 1987, Zelda married Brian in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and loved ones. The two built a vibrant, nurturing life together in Compton, California, where they raised four beautiful children Joy, Jasmine, Brian Jr., and Jessica. Zelda embraced motherhood with extraordinary dedication. Her approach was intentional, hands-on, and full of heart. She was the quintessential team Mom, whether court side, on a football field or at the track, the Girl Scout troop leader, the cake baker, the card writer, the perfect gift giver, the family nurse, the comedian, the encourager, the leader, the best friend, and long before rideshare apps existed the Uber driver. She showed up everywhere, for everything, and for everyone she loved. Although her children occasionally attempted to test her by faking sick to skip school, she could diagnose a false ailment faster than a nurse’s chart and have them dropped off at the Metro station by first period. Zelda was a protector, known for defending her family fiercely and lovingly, and she empowered her children to grow into strong, confident, independent individuals. As a Matriarch , her legacy continues through her children and grandchildren, who are a living testament to her strength.

As a devoted wife of 36 years, Zelda loved Brian with quiet strength, dignity, and loyalty. Through seasons of joy and challenge, she chose grace, laughter, and partnership. Their home was a gathering place where memories were made domino tournaments at the dining table, Brian’s legendary barbecues, Zelda’s signature macaroni and cheese, and joyful afternoons spent by the pool with grandchildren. They enjoyed jazz festivals, concerts, comedy shows, and their spontaneous getaways to Las Vegas. Zelda, love was more than a sentiment it was a daily practice. Together, she and Brian built a foundation that will remain solid.

Zelda dedicated 44 extraordinary years to the field of nursing. She began her career at Linda Vista Medical Hospital, continued at St. Francis Hospital, and ultimately joined Kaiser Permanente, where she spent the majority of her career. Her first five years at Kaiser Bellflower were in Orthopedics, where her work ethic, compassion, and steady presence quickly earned her the respect of colleagues and patients. She later transferred to the Telemetry/Cardiac Unit on the sixth floor at Kaiser Downey Hospital, where she served as Charge RN. Zelda elevated the nursing profession mentoring new nurses, shaping policy through her work with the United Nurses Associations of California (UNAC), and consistently offering a calm voice, a steady hand, and a generous spirit. Nursing was not simply her occupation; it was her calling, her ministry, and the way she touched lives far beyond her own.

Outside of her many roles, Zelda found joy in life’s simplest and most meaningful pleasures working on puzzles, tending to her garden, listening to Jill Scott soulful music, and spending time with her treasured dog, Mango. What she cherished most, however, was time spent surrounded by her family the laughter, the conversations, and the comfort of having everyone she loved close. She found peace attending church on Sundays with her sister Cynthia and joyful moment shared with Brian whether at home or on a weekend escape. Zelda will be truly missed!

Zelda leaves to mourn her husband Brian Lewis, four children, Joy Burse, Jasmine Roberts, Jessica Lewis , and Brian Lewis Jr.; eight grandchildren, Jaeden Burse, Kingston Banks,Leah Burse, Amir and Chase Lewis, Kelsey Harrison, and Nyla and Jorge Santiago, sister Cynthia Perkins, two nieces Rashaun St. Clair and Shanell Roberts, two nephews Malcom and Shaleaf Perkins and a host of family, friends and coworkers.

Zelda’s love one’s (preceded in death) mother and Father Nina Gray and Lloyd Roberts Sr. siblings Lloyd Roberts ,David Hudson, family members Angela and Jeffery Hollyfield