Of Mother Jefferson, the Yoruba, and Once an Eagle, Vol. X
Actress Zara Frances Cully Brown was born in Worcester in 1892. She is b est known as Olivia “ Mother ” Jefferson , who endeared herself to millions on the TV sitcom “The Jeffersons ." In covering her passing, Jet Magazine said the distinguished actress, drama coach, director, and writer, had “accumulated a list of acting credentials that spanned 50 years before she died of cancer at the age of 86.” Zara was from one of Worcester’s more prominent African-American families. The eldest of 10 surviving children, her parents were Nora Ann (Gilliam) Cully and Ambrose Cully . Two of her brothers were notable jazz musicians – Wendell (sic Culley ), and Ray Cully. Her sisters were also p ersonalities of distinction. One sister , Agnes , was a seamstress for singer Marian Anderson. At the time of her birth, Zara's father was listed in the Worcester Directory as working as a car cleaner for the New York and New England Railroad Boards and residing at 49 Bowdoin Str...