1941-2026
She was born on August 27, 1941, to Thelbert and Eron (Payne) Hudgens, in Ballinger, Texas. On June 12, 1959, LaVeda married the love of her life, Jerome Zak, and together they shared 63 incredible years together before his passing in January of 2023. LaVeda was very good at two things: counted cross stitch, which she used to make personalized items for every member of her family and for many others she loved; and talking. LaVeda was known for her vivacious, non-stop ability to entertain the masses with her visiting. From her detailed cross-stitch Christmas stockings to her gift of gab, LaVeda was a gift to those who knew her and precious to those who loved her. Other than being one of the first 500 employees at Ethicon, and a few years at Barry’s Manufacturing sewing house shoes, LaVeda spent most of her adult life as a housewife. In addition to cross-stitch, she and Jerry enjoyed playing card games with family almost every weekend. She and her cousins shared a great love for one another making family reunions one of her favorite times of year.
LaVeda is preceded in death by her parents Thelbert and Eron Hudgens, her husband Jerry, and siblings, Harold Hudgens, Janece Alexander and Marynell Hudgens.
She is survived by her son David Zak and wife Denise, and daughter Christy Burrage and husband Tim. LaVeda is also survived by her grandchildren, Bryce Zak and wife Lexi, Shelby Anderson and husband Lorenzo, Brandon Burrage and wife Elyce, and Kaitlyn McClaren and husband Tyler, as well as 5 great-grandchildren, Oliver and Tinley Burrage, Addison and Berkeley Zak and Cam and Logan Anderson.
A visitation for LaVeda will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. A graveside service will follow on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena, Texas with Deacon Alan Pelzel officiating.
