Mother Jefferson only appeared in 35 episodes, less than half of the 87 episode total from the four seasons she was a regular. I know Zara Cully died early in 1978. But why didn't she appear more in the first three seasons?

Mother Jefferson wasn't even at her grandson's wedding, makeshift as it turned out to be.

Mother Jefferson only appeared in 35 episodes, less than half of the 87 episode total from the four seasons she was a regular. I know Zara Cully died early in 1978. But why didn't she appear more in the first three seasons?

She became ILL after the second season which is why you dont see her at all during season 3. She doesn't make a return until season 4 and you can see she is not the same.

She only appeared in three episodes each in Seasons 3 and 4. She was in a wheelchair on at least her first one back.

It felt like she missed the entire season of 3 since she didnt appear until the end