Elizabeth Ann (nee Hall) Ledford was born on May 26, 1944, in Newark, NJ. She was the 4th of 6 children born to the late Johnnie M. and Vestella Hall. This family would remain a very close and loving unit throughout their lives.

Elizabeth, known by those closest to her as "Liz", "Lizzie", or "Lizzie Bess" (as only her parents could say it), was a precocious child, with ambitions and a determination beyond her years. What she set her sights on, she almost always achieved. Lizzie's faith walk was "different", and highly personal. Raised in the church and accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, she decided that sitting in church every Sunday was not her assignment. Instead, she lived a life of service, mostly outside the walls of the church. Throughout her life, Lizzie was known for singing and dancing to her favorite 50's and 60's R&B tunes. But she also relished gospel music and did not hesitate to lift her hands or voice for a praise break, wherever and whenever she was so moved! Lizzie was also an active supporter of the St. Jude's Children's Hospital, which was another aspect of her life's ministry of service.

A product of the Newark Public Schools System, Lizzie graduated from Barringer High School in 1962. Determined to prove her theory that "college is not for everyone", she decided to skip college and get right to work on building the life of her dreams. Soon after graduation, Lizzie landed a job as a "Hall Girl" (Receptionist) at Public Service Electric and Gas Company. This was just the beginning of an illustrious career spanning almost 35 years. Throughout her tenure with PSE&G, Lizzie received many awards and commendations, as well as several promotions with her final position being "Senior Site Supervisor", until her retirement in 1997. Following retirement, she maintained her connection to PSE&G as a part time representative at the Public Service Federal Credit Union for approximately 10 years.

It was also in her early days at PSE&G that she met her love and life partner, Calvin Ledford, Sr. Lizzie & Calvin were wed on April 26 th , 1964, at Clinton Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Newark, by the late Rev. James Canty Nelson. To this union were born 3 devoted children, Calvin, Jr., Kyle, and Kimberly. Her family was complete, and just another check mark in the life that Lizzie designed. Later, she would relocate her family to their "forever home" in Linden, NJ, where each would leave their mark in the community. Yet, because of their diehard love for their nuclear families & homes, they continued to work and spend a great deal of time in their hometown, Newark, NJ. Next on the list, along with lots of leisure travel to destinations around the world, Lizzie and Calvin purchased a second home in Cape May Courthouse, NJ in 1990 to enjoy their love for sun, sand, and ocean. There, they would enjoy hosting family and friends, and providing an outlet for their children away from "city life". But they were not done! In 2011 they purchased another "summer home" in Ormond Beach Florida. Anything to be closer to their happy place all year around. This home would also become a destination where family and friends were invited and welcomed.

Lizzie loved life and had a great sense of humor. She never took herself too seriously and loved to laugh. She didn't mind "clowning", especially if it helped to ease a tense

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