Zelma was born and raised in Texas.  She attended grade school, middle school and high school in Natalia, TX and attended San Antonio College.  In the summer of 1969, the family planned a vacation to Hammond, IN to visit family.  Unbeknown to Zelma, her Dad had applied for a job transfer from Kelly Field Air Base in San Antonio to O’Hare Air Base and was granted a transfer and just like that, the family was uprooted and they became Hoosiers (Texans at heart).  Her father worked as a Federal Protective Officer till he retired. 

The family became members of Woodmar Baptist Church in Hammond where she met her husband, Jim and married in June of 1973.  Jim and Zelma have been married for 45 years and have 2 wonderful children, James Michael (Laura) and Elizabeth Ann (Rick) who are now married and have blessed them with 6 wonderful grandchildren.

Zelma is the Administrative Assistant for the Northwest Indiana Baptist Association.  She came to this position in October of 1999. She has had the privilege of serving four Directors of Mission: Bill Gibbs, Warren Haynes, 

Wes Rankin and Mitchell Tabla.  Zelma has served this association going on 20 years. 

 Zelma enjoys spending time with her grandbabies, Scrapbooking and enjoys spending time with her family, church family and friends. She and Jim are members of Eastlake Baptist Church in Crown Point, IN.