Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 21, 2026

Judith Ann (Ham) Zielecki, born July 5, 1939, in South Bend, Indiana, was the beloved daughter of William Franklin Ham and Madge M. (Davidson) Ham, both of whom preceded her in death. Raised as the youngest in a large and loving family, Judith grew up surrounded by the warmth, humor, and resilience of her siblings, all of whom also preceded her in death: Barbara “Bood/Boodie” Ham Meredith, Frances “Fannie” Ellen Ham Schmuhl, Richard “Dick” Ham, James “Jim” Ham, and Helen Louise Ham.

Judith’s roots ran deep in early America; the Ham family settled in colonial Virginia in the 1700s and journeyed through the Appalachian frontier into Kentucky and Indiana, carrying forward a legacy of resilience and quiet strength.

Judith built a long and dedicated career with the Social Security Administration, where she served with integrity, precision, and compassion until her retirement. Her work was a true act of public service, and she took great pride in helping others throughout her career.

Judith loved her family above all else. She also cherished shopping, enjoyed expressing herself through fashion, and had a lifelong affection for dachshunds, finding joy and companionship in their spirited presence. She loved cooking, canning fresh vegetables, and savoring a cold Coke or Pepsi — small joys that colored her days. She loved quietly, steadily, and with a tenderness that left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew her.

Judith was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Zielecki, whose companionship brought comfort and stability to her later years. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, William Michael Phillips, Sr., with whom she shared a meaningful reconnection later in life.

She was preceded in death by two of her children, her son William Michael Phillips Jr. and her daughter Kimberly Ann (Phillips) Fox.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelly Lynn Phillips, who resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Judith later joined her so she could lovingly care for her.

She leaves behind seven grandchildren — Brandon, Michelle, Tahnee, Johnnie, Dillon, Cody, and Joshua — all of whom she loved deeply.

She was blessed with nine great‑grandchildren — Carter, Adelynn, Isabelle, Briar‑Rose, Caiden, Breana, Audriana, Evelyn, and Foster — each a joyful extension of the family she cherished.

The family also wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to her neighbor Cheryl, whose kindness and companionship brought comfort and joy to Judith’s daily life.

The family extends a heartfelt blessing to the Liberty Hospice team and the Navion of Cotswold assisted‑living staff, whose compassion, gentleness, and devoted care brought comfort and dignity to Judith’s final months. Their kindness will always be remembered with deep gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BrightFocus Foundation – Macular Degeneration Research at brightfocus.org/donate.

A service in South Bend will be scheduled at a later date, where her life will be remembered with love.

She leaves this world softly, wrapped in love, and carried forward in the memories of all who knew her.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.