Zelma R. Showell

Zelma R. Showell was born October 23, 1942, in Blythewood, South Carolina, the beloved daughter of the late Corthen Sr. and Susie (Durham) Manning. Our beloved mother Zelma passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

Zelma was educated in the public schools of Richland County where she attended Bethel High School located in Blythewood, South Carolina. Zelma eventually moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with her son, the late James Alvin Gibbs.  It was there that she met and married her husband, the late E. Robert Showell. Their union was blessed with the births of two sons, E. Robert Showell II and Delmar R. Showell.

A dedicated pillar of her family and community, Zelma had a unique gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether through a delicious home-cooked meal or a compassionate listening ear, her door and heart were always open. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially gardening and her love for shopping. To the world, she may have been one person, but to her family, she was our first teacher, our constant supporter, and our heart.

The last several years of her life were a true testament to her resilience. We are eternally grateful to her daughter-in-law, Samantha Showell, who served as her devoted caregiver for over eight years. We also recognize Miyhani L. Showell, who relocated to North Carolina to assist in providing dedicated care for her grandmother. Because of their combined love and devotion, Zelma was able to spend her final years with comfort and dignity, remaining in the home she loved.

Zelma now joins her late husband and son, E. Robert Showell and James A. Gibbs in eternal rest. 

In addition to her husband and son, Zelma was preceded in death by her siblings, Allie Mae Manning, Bertha Manning, Frank Bolar, Mary Miller-Hightower, John Manning, James Manning, Frank Manning, David Harris, Corthen Manning Jr. and Essie Freeman.

Cherishing Zelma’s memory are her loving sons, E. Robert Showell II of Norristown, PA, and Delmar R. Showell and daughter in-law, Samantha Showell of Sanford, NC; grandchildren, Jeritah Ziane Alexander, Javon Najee Wilson Gibbs, Miyhani London Showell, Gianna Victoria Showell, Shaina Denise Showell, Arya Devahn Showell,  and E. Robert Showell III; great grandsons, Zyaire Maurice Alexander and  Omari Rayon Ricardo Showell; caring brothers, Theodore  (Betty) Manning Sr. and Willie H. (Earline) Manning, Sr., both of Columbia, SC; and her longtime friend and loving sister-in-law, Mary V. Manning of Columbia, SC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and dear friends.

While she is no longer with us in person, her spirit lives on in  the lessons she taught and the love she left behind.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Zelma R. Showell, please visit our floral store.