A STITCH IN TIME MAKES FRIENDS NEEDLEWORK ARTIST, 93, LEAVES NEARLY A CENTURY OF MEMORIES.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

RESEDA - Although she didn't learn Brazilian embroidery until she was in her 70s, Zella Christine Gholson mastered the art through hard work, spending decades teaching others the techniques of the three-dimensional needlework.

Gholson, a Reseda resident, died May 12. She was 93.

Gholson, who learned to sew clothes as a child, learned Brazilian embroidery, a three-dimensional floral needlework art that uses unique stitches and various types of floss, when she was in her 70s.

``You need someone who is totally an expert to teach you Brazilian embroidery. She taught very patiently sitting with you,'' said Jill Martinchuk, who learned the embroidery from Gholson 20 years ago. ``She was very strict. She would have you take out stitches if it wasn't right.''

``She was the most unbelievable woman in the whole wide world. She had a lot of stories to tell, and she was unjudgmental. She was my mentor and my best friend. She became my grandmother. She was genuine, loving and touching.''

Gholson worked at Baron's Fabrics in Woodland Hills for more than 30 years. Along with working in sales and ordering for the store's notions department, Gholson began teaching weekly classes in Brazilian embroidery.

``She was one of the few who could do it and do it well,'' said co-worker Nerine Hein. ``She did beautiful handwork. It was exquisite. She had a great following for her classes.''

Herb Baron, owner of Baron's Fabrics, remembered Gholson as a no- nonsense woman.

``She was the old work ethic. I don't think she ever missed a day's work. She was a delightful woman and loved by all. I thought the world of her.''

Just as her students at Baron's and in her own home learned more than embroidery from Gholson, her family remembered the many life lessons she taught them.

``She is my role model for how to live life. I will remember her heart and her hands. Her heart was always big enough for everyone and her hands were never still,'' said granddaughter Nancy Caselli.

``Her secret to her long life? Never stop working. She was always thinking, working and giving. She was never wasteful. She didn't care about material things. She was so independent. A remarkable woman.''

Gholson was born Sept. 26, 1910, in Arkansas. She was a long-time member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Reseda.

Gholson requested no funeral. A memorial celebration will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Pavilion One at Lake Balboa Park in the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area.

Gholson is survived by a daughter, Ann Kirnig; grandchildren Nancy Caselli, Kathy DeMaggio and Steve Kirnig; and great-grandchildren Carolyn, Kurt, Alena and Paul.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) Zella Christine Gholson specialized in the intricate three-dimensional floral needlework that is the hallmark of Brazilian embroidery. She learned the skill while she was in her 70s.

(2) GHOLSON