Zelma Rae Bodoh

Zelma Rae Bodoh The Yellow Rose of Texas

Zelma “Rae” Bodoh, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and dear friend passed peacefully on December 5, 2022. Rae was one of the rare people you meet in your life that could light up a room, be feisty when needed and open her home and heart to share a good time or a tough time in your life. Rae was quick with a pot of coffee, delicious snack, extra dry martini or whatever her family and friends needed.

Rae was born and raised in Texas, which gave rise to her nickname the “Yellow Rose of Texas”. She may have left Texas but Texas lived in her. She raised her children in the Detroit area and was active at Our Lady of Sorrows, U of D Jesuit, Boy Scout Troop 179 and Farmington communities. Rae and her husband Larry retired to Miami to focus their time on their youngest grandchildren. Upon arriving in Miami, she seamlessly became part of the Saint Louis Catholic Church, Belen Jesuit and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart families.

Rae’s undying devotion to Elvis was something of legend. In her home, the Elvis room was a necessary stop for any visitor to see her new acquisitions. She was able to see the new Elvis movie with her grandchildren at the theater in a mix of memories, tears, singing and laughter.

Rae was a proud mother of four children, eight grandchildren, and three daughter-in-laws (she considered daughters). She defended her children with the same tough grace that she brought to so much of her life. Rae wore her grandmother ring with such pride. No one cheered louder from her grandchildren’s success at school, Scouts, pom, ice skating, tennis, soccer or running.

Rae was a voracious traveler circling the globe with Larry. From the markets of Istanbul to being stranded in Spain and Estonia (on separate occasions), visiting family in Ireland and Brazil or bicycling through Northern Michigan, Rae traveled with joy and passion to meet old friends and make new friends along the way.

Rae leaves behind her beloved husband of over fifty years, Larry, and her sons Charles Henry Williams (Connie), Todd Steven Williams (Barbara) and Devon Michael Bodoh (Rosa). She was preceded in death by her closest friend and daughter Deborah Al-Dairy. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, the lights of her life, Charles Michael Al-Dairy, Dr. Phillip Michael Al-Dairy DO, Nicholas Todd Williams, Taylor Jean Williams, Cecelia Rose Williams, Davi Joseph Zumba e Bodoh, Gabriella Rae Zumba e Bodoh and Joao Pedro Zumba e Bodoh.

Please join us in celebrating Rae’s life on Saturday December 10 at Saint Louis Catholic Church in Pinecrest, FL with a Viewing at 7 pm and Mass at 8 pm followed by an open house at her home at 12700 93rd Avenue Miami, FL. In addition, please join us on Monday December 12 at Heeney Sundquist Funeral Home in Farmington, MI with a Remembrance 5 pm - 8 pm and a Rosary at 7 pm and Tuesday December 13 at St. Fabian Catholic Church in Farmington Hills, MI at 12:30 pm followed by a for a Burial Ceremony at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI.

While flowers (particularly yellow roses) are welcome, please direct any donations to Belen Jesuit Preparatory (https://belenjesuit.myschoolapp.com/page/support-belen/why-give/giving-form?siteId=987&ssl=1) or The Father Solanus Casey Guild (https://solanuscasey.org/about-us/donations).