Leigh Anne Zerko-Parnell

Leigh Anne Zerko-Parnell, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, little sister, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by loved ones on July 30, 2026, in Galveston, Texas. Born on April 10, 1979, in Orange, Texas, Leigh Anne lived a life filled with love, faith, and joy.

Leigh Anne had a truly big heart, always radiating warmth and compassion to those around her. She was a passionate sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching and attending softball and women’s basketball games. Leigh Anne and Dawn were a house divided–Leigh Anne could always be found rooting for University of Texas, while Dawn’s favorite team is Oklahoma University–but sports has always been something they’ve bonded over. She and her loving wife, Dawn, were proudly one of the first LGBT couples to be married in Galveston, a testament to their enduring love and commitment. Above all, Leigh Anne cherished her family. She held a special place in her heart for her granddaughters, Jessica, Jaicelynn, and Daileigh, who will forever love and admire her. She took great pride in hosting parties for the girls and their friends for every holiday and birthday at "Nana & Mimi's House of Fun & Games," an affectionate nickname she called their home.

Leigh Anne’s devotion to family extended to her nieces, nephews, and even great-nieces and great-nephews! She was so supportive of them in all of their ventures and always made it known how proud of them she was. A fond memory often shared was of her nephew Matthew, who as a child, called her "Ee-Lan" and would often pack a bag—always just his underwear—and try to run away to her house. She probably wouldn’t have even minded if he did! Leigh Anne grew up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and maintained a strong and abiding faith throughout her life. She was always the first to make prayer requests on behalf of her family, and her faith kept her going despite her health struggles.

Leigh Anne is survived by her loving wife, Dawn Parnell-Zerko of Galveston; her daughters, Kala Black and Randi McNutt, both of Galveston; and her cherished granddaughters, Jessica, Jaicelynn, and Daileigh. She also leaves behind her four big sisters, Wendy Buhler and husband R.J. of Azle, Texas; Tara Torres and husband Kyle of Fort Worth, Texas; Kippi Fanning of Mesa, Arizona; and Mandi Zerko and husband Chuck of Orange, Texas.

She will be deeply missed by her numerous nieces and nephews: Joey Perkins and wife Kira, Jeni Gandy and husband Tim, Josh Perkins and wife Whitlee, Kayli Torres, Makenzi Torres, Mark Guidry and wife Sarah, Mallori Hughes and husband Mitch, Matthew Guidry and wife Kaitlin, Rose Zerko, Brad Ozan, Nicholas "Nicky" Zerko and wife Kaeley, Lauren Primm and husband Drue, and Madi Evans.

Leigh Anne also leaves behind a host of great-nieces and nephews: Joren, Ivy, Klover, Meadow, Zephraim, Ezra, Azalea, Jasmine, Brielle, Maelee, Jett, Elijah, Suede, Sailor, Elliot, Molly, Boston, Lucy, Arthur, and one on the way whom she was so excited to meet, Mary Kate.

Leigh Anne was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John David and Beverley Jean Zerko.

A Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2026, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange, Texas.

A Celebration of Life honoring Leigh Anne will be held “open house style” from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Nicholas and Kaeley Zerko’s home at 3514 Whippoorwill St. Orange, Texas 77630.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kala Black, Chuck Ozan, Nicholas Zerko, Brad Ozan, Madi Evans, and members of the Pinehurst Fire Department. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mark Guidry and Matthew Guidry.