Zora Coombs was a long-time resident of the Laurelhurst Neighborhood in Portland Oregon. She was a current resident of Auburn, Alabama who had just celebrated her 95th Birthday. Zora was born in Tucson, Arizona and was raised in Arizona and Texas with her brother Samuel. She met her husband, Dewey, in Boulder City, Nevada when she was 19 and married him in Las Vegas two weeks later. They were married in 1942 and were together for 54 years until Dewey died in 1995. Zora gave birth to 8 children- Samuel Coombs, Douglas Coombs (Deceased), Phyllis Coombs (Deceased), Kathleen Laborico, Daniel Coombs, Laurel Coombs, Melina Cameron and David Coombs.

She is preceded in death by her parents Leola McBee and Samuel DeArman, her brother Samuel DeArman, her husband Dewey Coombs and two of her children. She is survived by 6 children, 12 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren. Zora was known to the children of the neighborhood as the “gum-lady” because she always told them to put a stick of gum in their mouth instead of a cigarette. She was infamous for her “dunkin’ platters” cookies which have now been passed down three generations.

Zora will be returning to her home of more than 50 years, Portland Oregon, to be buried next to her husband Dewey Coombs at Willamette National Cemetery. There will be a small graveside service for immediate family only.

Special Thanks to the staff of Oak Park Nursing home and Magnolia Place Assisted Living for taking such good care of Zora for the past 5 years.

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