Zelina T. “Zelma” Custer, 79, of Christiansburg, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse E. Hinkley and Nannie E. Hinkley; brother, Richard Oscar “June” Ornelas; sister, Elsie E. “Tiny” Caldwell; sons, Ronald L. “Ronnie” Custer and Christopher J. “Chris” Custer; and brother-in-law, Herman K. “Kelly” Wyatt.
She is survived by her children, Arleta C. Early, Alfred J. “Junnie” Custer and Donna C. (John) Early; ex-daughters-in-law, Kay S. Custer and Carol J. Blackwell; significant other, Benito Pastrana; bonus son, D.R. Mans; bonus daughter, Jessica Pastrana; bonus son, Arnold Pastarana; grandchildren, Amanda (Lloyd Lopes) Moore, Samantha Early, Rusty (Kyley Holleman) Moore, Joshua Custer, Joseph Custer, Alex (Zach Dao) Turpin, Rachel (Cameron) Elkins, Nina Richards, Jared (Brylie) Custer and John (Taylor) Early; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Jessie R. “Squeak” Wyatt; brother, Jimmy E. “Jim” Hinkley, Sr. (Cindy Nutt); and many nieces and nephews.
She was a beautiful, sweet woman and the backbone of our family. She never turned anyone away, always tried to feed anyone and everyone that visited, no matter who you were. She was good to everyone and raised five children on her own.
Zelina, Zelma, Zee, Moma and Gamal will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Special thanks to Samantha Early for her care after her strokes. Also, thank you to LewisGale Montgomery Regional ICU doctors and nurses for such compassionate care in her final days along with Good Samaritan Hospice.
Her service will be held Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John Kellam officiating. The family will receive friends 5 – 6 p.m., at McCoy Funeral Home Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, prior to the service.
