Zelma Parnell Gossard — beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother — died peacefully in her sleep Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. She was 100.

Zelma, who was lovingly known as Memom and Gigi by both friends and family alike, was born May 31, 1921, in High Point, N.C. She later graduated from High Point College, where she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Herbert Gossard Sr., whom she was married to for 55 years. After World War II, where Bill served in the Navy aboard the USS Aspro submarine, the couple moved around the mid-Atlantic area, including Takoma Park and Severna Park and River Vale, N.J., while raising six children. Zelma later taught at Folger McKinsey Elementary and earned her Master's from The Johns Hopkins University in Special Education. She started the first Crisis Resource Room in the County. In 1975, she opened Teetertotter, a fine-clothing store for children in Severna Park. She was a faithful member of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, where her husband and son, David, are both inurned. She spent her later years in Severna Park with friends and family nearby after moving from Grasonville following Bill's death in 1999.

Whether it was safaris in the Serengeti, cruises on the Mississippi, or tours of the world's most renowned art galleries, Zelma always had an eye toward adventure. One of her most notable traits, however, were her moves on the dance floor. Well into her 90s, she could still be found tearing it up at family weddings to those old Andrews Sisters favorites like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." She also loved crab feasts and was picking blue claws as long as she was able. Another favorite of hers, fried okra, showed that she was always a Southern girl at heart.

Zelma is survived by five children and their spouses, William H. Gossard Jr. of Centreville, Rebecca Kuligowski of Cambridge Springs, Pa., James Gossard of Ellicott City, Mary Moyer of Paoli, Pa., and Jean Zemo of Severna Park; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and youngest son, David Gossard of Baltimore, along with countless friends and other family members.

A memorial service is planned for September 10 at 2:00 PM at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, MD 21146.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, MD 21146.