Zannie Gay Belrose

September 22, 1920 February 24, 2024

After a long and full life, our dear Mother and Grandmother, Zannie Gay Belrose, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the age of 103. She was born September 22, 1920, to Julian Henry Fields and Florence Rowena Squyers Fields. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Sardis Pentecostal Church in the Sardis Community of Shelby County. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 4, 2024, at Sardis Pentecostal Church. Interment will follow at Brandon Memorial Cemetery in Shelby County.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother who was always available when any of her family and friends needed her—whether it be for prayer, guidance, a listening ear or to simply put monkey blood on a “bobo.” Having many friends, she was a well-loved, member of the Sardis community. Zannie Gay has been a lifelong member of the Sardis Pentecostal church dating back to when it was just a brush arbor.

Many have said she had a direct line to heaven, and we are convinced she certainly did! She was a great prayer warrior for her family, for her church family, and for many others from all walks of life. You could call her at any time—day or night—and she was ready and willing to pray for or with you. A memory for us all was her drinking coffee from her saucer because her cup truly overflowed.

She would say she was blessed beyond measure by her family … they made her beam with pride. We also remember Papaw say one Christmas as he was looking over his family before Mamaw read the Christmas story: “Zannie Gay look what we have started!”

She would make homemade biscuits for every single meal. When we say every single meal, we mean she cooked three meals a day—every single day. Let me tell you folks … it wasn’t ever just a casserole.

Zannie Gay, in the prime of her life, was a woman of many talents from a star athlete, handyman, Sunday school teacher, 5-star cook, to fisherman right alongside her husband. She once said in an interview, “Her greatest accomplishment was her family.” She also said, “What a blessing it is to be called ‘Mamaw’ by so many people!”

You will forever hold a special place in our hearts and your legacy will live on through us all! She is survived by her children LaNell Rash, Lillian Shofner, Martha Rash and Kenneth, Melba Rodgers, Kathryn Schillings and Joe Tom, Lester Belrose and Teresa, Leo Belrose and Janet.

Daughter-in-law Connie Belrose Noble and Don Grand-children Lisa Eaves and George, Shannon Shofner, Lamar Rash and Kris, Kevin Rash and Kim, Leann Rash, Kerri Griffin and Ray, Heather Moody and Donnie, Todd Clark and Darlene, Doug Rodgers and Lindsey, David Rodgers, Donnie Belrose and Denise, Ronnie Belrose and Carmen, Jennifer Leach and Mark, Jon Schillings and Joanna, Brandy Ellis and Shawn, Austin Belrose and Drew, Tyler Belrose and Stephanie, Jordan Steele and John, Grant Belrose and Korie.

Fifty-four great-grandchildren Forty-seven great-great-grandchildren Sister Margie Hinton and Jimmy. Numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Special caregivers Janet Anderson and Marsha Jernigan. She was preceded in death by Husband, Ray Belrose; Mother, Florence Squyers Fields; Father, Julian Fields; Son, Lonnie Belrose; Grandsons, Brandon Shofner and Terry Rash; Great Grandson, Jesse Don Moody; Son’s in Law, Bobby Rash, Oliver Shofner and Mike Rodgers; Brothers, Roy Fields (Susie), Ralph Fields (Esther) Elbert Fields (Dot) Sisters, Zolema Anthony (J.M.) Annie Mae Clark (Marlin) and two infant sisters.

Serving as Pallbearers will be the Grandsons and Great-Grandsons. Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.