Venita Vincent Zinn

May 24, 1933 - October 1, 2021

Venita Floann Vincent Zinn, age 88, of Salem, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2021, at her daughter's home in Clarksburg, WV. Born May 24, 1933 she was the daughter of the late Joseph Leland Vincent and Gladys Elisabeth (Randolph) Vincent. Mrs. Zinn had an interesting and unusual life. During her early childhood she performed as an actress and entertainer. The family moved temporarily to Hollywood in the late 1930's where Venita had small roles in several movies and shorts including Our Gang (The Little Rascals). World War II brought the family home to the hills of West Virginia and the Salem farm. Upon returning to Salem, Venita entered the third grade at Van Horn Elementary School where she met the young boy who would later become her husband, William Frederick Zinn (Fred). In the spring of 1946 at age 13, Venita traveled to Europe with international attorney Joseph Choate, his wife Dorothy, and 5 year old son Timothy. Mr. Choate was world-traveled and had clients around the globe which enabled him to obtain visas although WWII had ended only the previous year. Four years later, during her junior year in high school, Venita traveled to Europe again with the Choate family. In 1951 Venita completed public school at Salem High School and was named valedictorian of her class. During her high school years she performed with the combined Salem-Bristol Bands and was West Virginia state baton twirling champion her junior and senior years. After High School Venita entered Salem College and shortly after married her childhood sweet-heart W. Fred Zinn. Venita received her BA Degree in English from Salem College in 1955, and a Master's Degree in Speech Communication from West Virginia University in 1966. Later she studied for an advanced degree in communication and higher education at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Venita loved teaching and for over fifty years she taught at every level from pre-school classes through adult education courses. However, the vast majority of those years were spent teaching at Salem College, later named Salem-Teikyo University. During the 1990's, Venita spent many months teaching in Japan at the Main Teikyo University campus in Hachioji. Retired in 2000 from the university, Venita and her husband Fred began spending winters in Florida. Never tired of teaching, she served as a substitute in the public schools of Doddridge County, WV., and Valusia County, FL. until illness prevented it. Venita was a life-long member of the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church. She was a member of the diaconate, taught Sabbath school classes, and was Sabbath School Superintendent for many years. She particularly enjoyed directing children and young people in plays at church and at camp. She initiated the talent show at the annual Salem Apple Butter Festival and for many years was active in the Salem Chamber of Commerce. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother (Joe). She is survived by her husband Fred Zinn of Salem, WV. Her children Marty Zinn and his wife Carol of Abbeville, SC., Fredette Leda and her husband Dave of Clarksburg, WV, Frank Zinn and Kathy of Jane Lew, WV, Beatice Kearns and her husband Dave of Salem, WV., and several grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great and step- great grandchildren, and two step great, great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, friends may send contributions to the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church or a charity of their choice. A memorial service will be conducted in the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Salem, on Oct.16, 2021. Visitation will be from 3pm-4pm. Service will begin at 4pm with Pastor's Brent Hannah, Chuck Meathrell, and John Pethtel officiating. Harbert Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Zinn family.