Mary Jane Zimmerman

Mary Jane Zimmerman of Decatur passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023 at the age of 102. She was beloved by many as mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Born in Unadilla, Georgia to Chester Parham and Esmay (Slaughter) Parham on May 11, 1921, Mary Jane and her family moved to Atlanta when she was a small child.

In 1940 she met Fred L. Zimmerman, Jr. while attending night school at Georgia State College. The two were married on December 1, 1945, shortly after Fred returned from serving overseas with the US Army Signal Corps.

During WWII Mrs. Zimmerman worked for the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. Later she held administrative positions at Emory University.

Mrs. Zimmerman was preceded in death by her husband and son, Fred L. Zimmerman III. She is survived by daughter Kathryn Zimmerman Seymour (William) of Shepherdstown, WV and son Karl S. Zimmerman (Peiling) of Neipu, Taiwan. Grandchildren Brittany Frick of Bristow, VA; Eric Zimmerman of Richmond, VA; Amy Zimmerman Stewart of Centennial, CO; Alix DeFatta of Huntsville, AL; Justin Hwa of Houston TX and Jasmine Hwa Hawkins of New York, NY

Devout Christians, the Zimmermans were members of Emory Presbyterian Church, ChristChurch of Tucker, GA, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. After Fred's retirement they traveled extensively in Europe and the Middle East with the Friendship Force, also hosting foreign visitors in their home.

Mrs. Zimmerman was a skilled cook. She enjoyed travel and spending time with her six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by friends and loved ones for her kindness, gentle sense of humor and bright, ready smile.

Mary Jane's life will be celebrated at A.S. Turner & Son Funeral Home in Decatur on Saturday May 27, 2023 with a visitation at 10AM followed by a funeral service at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kings Bridge Retirement Center, 3055 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta 30329 or Longleaf Hospice, 2310 Parklake Dr NE, Atlanta 30345.