Zuetta Kelly Pinkston, 87, of Port Neches, Texas went to be with the Lord Tuesday August 16, 2017. Zuetta, or Zu to friends, was the 13th baby born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Port Arthur, Texas on June 2nd 1930 to John Henry Kelly & Adell Hough Kelly. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Groves, Texas from it’s founding.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Tuffy Kelly and John Kelly, her son Frank Pinkston, and grandson Christopher Pinkston.

Survivors include her devoted husband Curtis “Pinky” Pinkston of 68 years, daughter Sue Greenway and husband Jeff of Port Neches, Texas, son Joe Pinkston and wife Angie of Longview, Texas. Sisters Nippy McManus and husband Charles of Dallas, Texas, Nancy Frederick of Nacogdoches, Texas, grandchildren Tina Gordon, Travis Greenway and wife Adrienne of Humble, Texas, Kelly Bridges of Port Neches, Texas, Curtis Pinkston and wife Jennfier of Winchester, Virginia, Tim Stuckey of Austin, Texas. Great grandchildren Devon Gordon, Devin Gordon, Elijah Bridges, Aleigha Bridges, Ryder Greenway, Tucker Greenway, Caden Pinkston, Grace Pinkston, Grant Pinkston.

Zuetta leaves a legacy of generosity, laughter, and strength.  She loved her family with a fierce devotion.  She supported her husband eagerly in all he did, whether it was racing cars, learning to fly, or moving to Palestine, Texas to open a salvage yard.

Zuetta worked hard and viewed life as a constant adventure. She worked at the Port Arthur Stevedores, U.S. Rubber Co.; First & Second Grade at Pease Elementary School, Secretary in Family Business, Pinkston’s Garage; Pinkston & Son’s Auto Parts, Palestine, Texas.

She was a dedicated civil volunteer in many organizations including The Pride League, Port Neches, Texas, One of five Coordinators for Tugboat Island, Port Neches, Texas, Regent for five years at Capt. William Sanders Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and Historian at Groves United Methodist Church.

She had an insatiable curiosity to learn and enjoy life. Whether it was visiting a foreign country, learning a musical instrument, or teaching herself to paint, she was always eager to try new things. She traveled to exotic places like Bali, Thailand, Europe, and even walked on the Great Wall of China.

She was an avid stamp and antique furniture collector. She founded the Southeast Texas Stamp club, with Otis Barnes. She also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and gardening. Mostly growing tomatoes, bell peppers, satsumas, and flowers. She loved flowers. She didn’t have time to be idle and the yard was always in top shape. You never knew what she would turn the bushes into next, a train, a swan, a chair…

Zuetta had a talent for historical writing and genealogy. She wrote five books including The Official State Songs of America, Honoring our Heritage 1886-2014, and The Life and Times of John H. Kelly.

She spend decades meticulously collecting and organizing the history of her family, always having a camera ready to capture the moment.

She loved reading, shrimp gumbo, and Budweiser beer. She enjoyed fishing with Pinky and she was good at it. She was a Cowboys fan. She always rooted for the good guys in sports, in westerns, and in life.  She had no tolerance for being interrupted during the Bold and the Beautiful, so you did so at your own risk.

She lived a great life and loved the Lord.

Pinky asked her to wait just inside the gate to the left. That’s where she’ll be waiting for him, for us, and you too.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with Reverend Marty Boddie officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

All memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Churches of Groves, Texas.