Arzula Mae Hannibal

Arzula Mae Burns -Hannibal was born on January 23, 1934, to Lennon Burns and Ida Eldert in Dunnellon, Florida.

She received her early education from the public schools of Citrus County, Florida.

She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was united with New Second Bethel M. B. Church where she served as a faithful choir member. She later moved to Beulah M. B. Church where she was a faithful servant.

On December 18, 1963, Arzula Mae Burns was united in holy matrimony with John E. Hannibal in Dunnellon. Their union was blessed with two children.

Zula was a housekeeper that had a love for God, singing, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren. She touched countless lives with her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and heart full of grace.

On July 21, 2025, Zula joined that great cloud of witnesses, where joy is eternal and peace knows no end. Though she has departed from this earthly realm, her legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the love we share, and the strength we carry forward in her name. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lennon and Ida Burns; her siblings; her grandson, Colin Brown and her husband, Reverend John E. Hannibal.

Zula is survived by two daughters, Loretta (Howard) Gunter of Dunnellon and Mattie (Dr. Emanuel) Witherspoon of Citrus Springs; one son, Calvin (Tracy) Brown of Shiloh, IL; her adopted daughter, Ruth Edwards of Dunnellon; 6 grandchildren, Craig Gunter, Rebecca Witherspoon, Amanda Gunter, Minister Elizabeth (Norman) Pryor, Deidra Witherspoon and Liam Brown; 11 great grandchildren; 3 great, great grandchildren; 1 sister in law, Mollie (Louis) Williams of Bamberg, SC; oldest niece, Sara Davis; 1 godson, Deacon Sammie (Lula) Walker; caregiver, Betty Gall; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Friday August 1, 2025, at 12:00pm until 6:00pm at Summers Funeral Home 2238 NW 10th Street, Ocala 34475.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00am at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 11732 Illinois St, Dunnellon, FL 34431.

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