Eritrea Lizet McCorry-Cooper fell asleep in death at Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 4:23 p.m.  She had reached the blessed age of 46 years, 5 months and 15 days.  Eritrea was lovingly known by all who knew and loved her as "Zet-Zet".

Eritrea is the daughter of Rhonda McCorry-Smith and Victor Donelson and Granddaughter of Jesse and Lettie McCorry, Sr. (deceased).  Eritrea is mother to three children Abijah, Joella, and Valentino (West Paducah, KY).  Zet-Zet was a community mom to dozens of kids all over Paducah and McCracken County.  She resided with her partner Rosalind Phillips and her children.  She is a member of Church of the Living God.

Eritrea, is a graduate of WKCTC; she received with an associate degree in Culinary Management with certification as a personal chef, catering, and food and beverage management.  In 2014, she received certificates in Culinary Arts and photography.  As a student of Culinary Arts, Eritrea was fortunate to cook for award-winning chef and best-selling author,"Chef Jeff" Henderson, not to forget the influence her Aunt Callie Mae Cobb (Paducah's favorite caterer for decades) had on her love of food preparation.  Additionally, Zet-Zet received a certificate from the "Women In Construction" (WIC) program where they learned skills in carpentry, bricklaying, framing, and roofing.  As a part of this program the women built 2 Habitat for Humanity houses in the Fountain Avenue Renewal area and she received her Class B CDL licenses as a part of this program.  Eritrea completed hours in cosmetology and was a "born" cosmetologist as she was constantly told by her grandmother "Lettie Lee"ask her about her finger waves.  Zet-Zet is a 1995 graduate of Heath High School.

Zet-Zet, a self-employed as a caterer, catered part time for many community groups and private parties.  Eritrea worked for the Kentucky Department of Highways in both Louisville, KY and McCracken County.  In this position, she received certification to transport her own equipment.  Zet passed the Class A CDL with the highest score recorded for the Louisville team for operating special heavy equipment.  In McCracken County, she drove snow removal equipment for west McCracken County.  Zet worked various jobs from summer intern at H. B. Fuller Company to owning her own business of "Vaj-Zet's Concessions (Hot Dog Wagon)," offering good food at a great price.  She set up in different areas and for special events such as Paducah Dinner after Dark.  Recently, while her kids played football for McCracken County High School, she worked as their equipment manager and travelled with the team.

Eritrea was currently serving on the W. C. Young Community Center Board.  As a teen, Eritrea worked for the City of Paducah's after school program.  There she realized her true passion of helping others. She, Samiya Donelson, and Valentino created a non-profit organization called "West Kentucky Game Changers." Eritrea spearheaded a "CashApp" campaign to raise funds to adopt a Black Business to assist those who were unable to work.  She has been active and present in Black Lives Matter protests around Paducah.  Her "Green Book" Black Owned Businesses in the region will be published this fall.

During the 2018 holiday season, Zet-Zet put her photography skills to work for the community and co-sponsored a free "Black Santa" photo session with "MBMG Studios & GP Visuals". They gave out goodies and captured the smiles of 36 children and adults. In 2019, she was the Black Santa hostess to over 300 children.  During the 2017 Paducah BBQ on the River, Eritrea co-hosted a stand, "THIS SPUD'S FOR YOU", that sold "Loaded Potatoes" to raise funds for the W.C. Young Community Center. Periodically, Eritrea works with WCYCC with community outreach.  In memory of her grandmother's tradition of hosting "street dances" during the 8th of August weekend, the family decided to host the dance.  Zet reached out to community members to donate refreshments for all the kids, and it was a success!

She loved photography, listening to gospel music, singing in the 8th of August Community Choir (Directed by George Donelson), cooking for family gatherings, and dancing. Despite any hardships that came her way, Zet-Zet never allowed anything to stop her. She continued to strive for greatness and pushed forward no matter the circumstances. In her own words, "Our culture is what is most important to me; the community is special to me. Without either, I WOULD NOT BE WHO I AM TODAY."

Eritrea McCorry-Cooper leaves the following family and friends to cherish her many fond memories: Three Children, Abijah (Erin Wadley) Williams and Keion Williams, both of Paducah, KY and Valentino Williams, West Paducah, KY; One Grandson, Ronnie Keion L. Jones, Paducah, KY; Two Step-Daughters, Martika Rose and Jasmin Phillips, both of Columbus, OH; Her Partner, Rosalind Phillips, Paducah, KY; Four Step-Granddaughters; Two Sisters, Brianna Hill and Jessica McCorry, both of Paducah, KY; One Brother, Rhoden McCorry, Murray, KY; Two Aunts, Janice Butler, of Paducah, KY and Stephanie McCorry, of Dallas, TX; A Host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and a Wide Variety of Friends.

Others left to cherish her memory are: First Cousins, Pezavan Whatley, Letitia Whatley, Garrick Whatley, Auset Whatley, Demetrius Whatley, Antonio Whatley, David Whatley, Itha Whatley, Arriana Whatley, Chandralehka Mccorry-Flowers, Joaquin Mccorry-Flowers, Julian Kimeli , Juliana Kimeli, Willie Allen, Jr., Mylayea Allen, Wylashia Allen, Jade Grant,  Big Cuz - Raymond Cobb, Lil Cuz - Nina Holland, Auntie Mama's Nephews:, Tariq Griffin and Titan McCorry; Auntie Mama's Nieces, JaMiriah (Rhinestone Diva) McCorry, Radiance Lee, and Alexis McCorry; Cousin Loves (plus Zet = 4 Musketeers), SaMiya Donelson, Zamari, Zayah, George "Gee" Donelson, Jason Donelson; Special Loving Aunts, Rhoda C. Overstreet (God Mother), Kay Cobb-Moore, Joyce Donelson, Denise Wilson, June Jones, Toni Turnage and Frances Topp; Lifetime Friends, Jackie Bard, Helena "Binky" Staples Freeman, Chandra Stubblefield, Ashlee Record-Freeman, Nanette Williams, Jamie & Tina Bell-the "whole" family; Mama Zet Boys, Cameron Galloway, Quincy Bell, Javen Bell, Bryar Griffin, Caleb Robertson, Brody Robertson, Drake Robertson, Ronnie L. Jones, Bruce Lee Perry, Mauricus "Big Hair" Hayne, Rasheed Jones, Jay Staples, Quamea Jones, DeVharius Jones, Zyaire Hughes, Franklin Hayes, and Darion Woods; Mama Zet Girls, Lakin Copeland, Maddie Jo Record-Hailey and Royalty Grady.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2023, 12 Noon at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist 1915 North 10th Street Paducah, KY with Reverend Edward Ballard, Reverend Joe Warren and Minister Daronda Tyler officiating.  The service will be livestreamed on Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home, LLC Facebook Page beginning at 11:45 a.m.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Living God 1221 Oscar Cross Avenue then on Saturday at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.