Zelma Harris Obituary

The Kind Traveler
Who knew that on March 24, 1958, in the beautiful countryside of Trelawny, Jamaica, in a place called Deeside, a little traveler named Zelma Unicy Hyde would make her way to the arms of her two proud parents, Wilfred and Sislyn Hyde! Of course, they had no idea that this child, the last of nine children, would have such a great impact on the world! This entry into the world was just the beginning of her many travels!
This little traveler, who most people knew as "Zibby", attended Hastings Primary School gaining all the knowledge her tiny heart could manage, to help her explore the world one day! At Hastings Primary, she was known for always being loving, caring and very serious about her work. This continued throughout her life. Though she was the youngest, she was very protective of her older sisters AND brothers. Her jovial attitude and that beautiful smile would later be a guiding light for some and a lifting hand for others. When it was time to go to Secondary School the family moved to Walkerswood in St. Ann. In 1969, the little traveler, now a beautiful and brilliant young woman, attended Edna Manley Drama and Arts School. The stage never knew a brighter star. From Edna Manley Drama and Arts, she traveled to Carron Hall High School where she graduated in the upper percentile of her class. Later, the Lord blessed her to have two little travelers of her own, Bianca and Tamara.
Opportunity called and Zelma packed her bags! In 1989, this traveler moved to New York. She began working in a small pharmacy and soon found the needs of New York were great and she wanted to help. She became a Nursing Technician at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center where she worked for 30 years providing and advocating for the needs of the people.
Well, New York was the gateway for more travel! She called up a good friend and they packed their bags, sometimes at a moment's notice! Talk about spontaneous! Then off they went to places like Germany to taste and collect some of the best chocolates in the world! Then on to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, then on to London to see Big Ben and finally to Holland to see the beautiful tulip gardens in bloom. Zelma loved traveling and wasn't afraid of adventure and these were just a few. She also enjoyed traveling to Ross and Burlington where she packed her basket and not her bag.
On April 28, 2024, Zelma took the best trip of her life! She walked down the aisle at the Pocono Mountain Bible Fellowship Church in Mount Pocono, where she excitedly gave the Lord her heart and became a baptized member. A beautiful relationship bloomed. She enjoyed the heartwarming music, and she could leave her unwanted baggage at the altar.
Zelma also loved cooking and spending time with family, which she missed dearly and would pack a bag in a heartbeat to go home and visit. She never forgot them. She loved them so much that she'd often send barrels home to Jamaica to make sure they were taken care of. And speaking of taking care of – she was always playing matchmaker! You would sometimes hear her say, with that world class smile and a little laugh "I have somebody for you." You couldn't resist laughing and smiling with her as she shared her plans for your future friend. Zelma would hold your dreams, and your tears close to her heart, and no one would ever know. She made you feel included by starting and finishing her conversation with a warm embrace.
On February 22, 2025, this Kind Traveler packed her last bag and took a nap. When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound. those who die in the Lord will rise FIRST!
She leaves a few travelers to carry on her legacy, her two little travelers- Bianca Connors and Tamara Hurgus. Her sisters, Verna Chambers and Lelieth Hall, Brother, Nalford Hyde, Her son-in-law, Jamar Connor and granddaughter Zuri Connor, A host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. She was preceded by her parents, Wilfred and Sislyn Hyde, two sisters Isolyn Hyde and Desna Raymond, and three brothers- LeRue Hyde, Clifton Hyde and Joseph Hyde.