Meet Treva Zoellner, an inspiration beyond measure. I knew this incredible lady growing up when I would visit my grandmother’s house. My grandmother and I would walk down the street to her house to bring her food and pick up her mail. I remember we would watch some of her recorded yoga teachings while she told us some of the most amazing stories of her life. She always reminded me, “you will be great someday”.
Treva’s beautiful and inspiring obituary:
“Treva Zoellner, a preeminent yoga master of the 1970’s and 80’s, passed away today following a brief illness. She was 95. Born Treva Jones on May 5, 1915 in Booth, Scott County, Arkansas, she passed away at 5 minutes until 5 on Wednesday morning, January 12, 2011. Treva moved to the Wewoka area in 1924 and grew up poor, attending school with her six brothers and sister at Hilltop, New Lima and Wewoka. She hungered for the glitz and glamour and moved to New York City in the 1940’s to pursue a career in modeling. Treva also served in the Red Cross during World War II. In 1949 she married William B. Zoellner, a vice president for MGM Studios, and together they traveled the world. Treva’s fairytale existence ended abruptly, however, when her husband succumbed to Berger’s disease in 1974. To address her own health concerns, Treva turned to yoga in the 1970’s and eventually became a yoga master, teaching the now popular art at numerous universities and colleges in Atlanta and Oklahoma City. Treva hosted a how-to-television show regarding the discipline on OETA, the Oklahoma City PBS affiliate. In an era predating video cassettes, Treva produced an instructional long-playing record album to teach neophytes the art of yoga. Treva remained childless, but devoted untold hours mentoring at-risk youth well into her 80’s. A lovely devoted lady who will be so very missed by all whose lives she touched.”
I am so thankful to ever have known such a wonderful individual and hope to leave a beautiful legacy as she did.
She was my great, great Aunt