Ms. Excenia J. "Zinie" (Momma Zee) Foote

Excenia Jetaun “Zinie” Foote, affectionately known as Momma Zee, was born to Mary E. Jordan (Cannon) and Mayes Foote on January 11, 1964, in Peoria, Illinois. She resided at 65 Lenox Ave and was a true trailblazer in her community. Zinie was renowned for her warmth, her ability to bring people together through her cooking, and her efforts to preserve generations of Black culture in Harlem. As a matriarch and a pillar of her block on Lenox Ave, Momma Zee was the glue that held her family together and meant a great deal to many. She attended and served as the armor bearer and administrator for the "Promise Made, Promise Kept" ministry under her sister, Pastor Diane London, whom she always referred to as "Pastor," no matter where they were. Zinie served on the annual Harlem Week Chamber of Commerce Committee and sponsored various events, including comedy shows, musical performances, modeling contests, and concerts. In 2018, she opened “Momma Zee’s Food to Plez” at the intersection of 123rd Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. This bodega holds the distinction of being the only Black woman-owned bodega in all of New York City and the first to exist in the city since 1987. Zinie honored her grandmother, who shared her name, by pursuing her dream of opening a renowned restaurant. On Sundays, Ms. Mette would host worship services outside her deli, emphasizing her connection to God and the community. Her bodega was also featured in Arizona Tea's Great Buy Magazine, which created a tote bag in her honor. Excenia was also a dedicated member of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, advocating for the advancement of Black Americans, not only in Harlem but nationwide. She inspired her family, friends, and the Harlem community, serving as a powerful example of Black women's leadership. Her warmth, compassion, kindness, and delicious cooking were cherished by all who knew her. Zinie received her call from heaven on April 22, 2025. She leaves behind her loving companion, Adama Fofana of New York; one son, Jarian (Wendy) Jordan Sr. of New Jersey; two grandsons, Jarian Jordan Jr. and Walter Heredia, both of New York; her beloved granddaughter, Skylie Jordan, of New Jersey; two brothers, Antonio "Tony" (Lisa) Foote of Peoria and Terry Foote of New Albany, MS; five sisters, Diane (Fred) London of New York, NY, Kristina (Jeffrey) Nelson Wright of Atlanta, GA, Selathia Foote of Atlanta, GA, and Kathy Jo Berry, Margaret Ann Foote, and Brenda Kay Ivy both of New Albany, MS; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, and the Harlem and Peoria community, all of whom respected and adored "Momma Zee" and her “Food to Plez.” She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary E. Jordan; her father, Mayes Foote; her twin brothers, Kevin and Kelvin Jordan; and her special nephew, DeAndre (Slikk) Foote. Funeral services will take place at Morning Glory Community Church, 2906 Twelve Oaks Drive, Peoria, IL, on Friday, May 9, 2025, with viewing from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Bishop Marlon E. Young Sr. will host, Pastor Spencer Gibson Jr will be Master of Ceremony, and Pastor Diane London (Sister) will present the Eulogy Zinie will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements were made especially for the “Foote” family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. Live streaming can be viewed by clicking the link for TW Parks Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/twparkscolonialchapel. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of “Excenia J. "Zinie" Foote.,” please visit our Sympathy Store.

Ms. Excenia J. "Zinie" (Momma Zee) Foote

January 11, 1964 - April 22, 2025