Laquita Joy Ledford was born January 27, 1934, near Chireno in Nacogdoches County, Texas, to Amos Ledford and Juniece Menefee Ledford. She entered into rest on July 25, 2024, in Lufkin, Texas, attaining the age of 90 years.
Laquita was a child of the Great Depression. Her family left the farm, moving from sawmill to sawmill as her father worked his way up to become a millwright and mechanic. The family settled in San Augustine, where Laquita graduated from high school and lived her life. She married Lavelle Elliott and they had one son, Greg. Laquita and Lavelle were married 63 years, until his death in 2015.
She learned the value of hard work from her father and mother. She began her business career working at Perry Brothers, Rushing Drug, Ford Novelty, and Commercial Bank. Later, she and Lavelle were self-employed. They owned and operated a cattle business and poultry houses, as well as Security Insurance Agency. Laquita was active in the Insurance Women of East Texas.
Laquita was never bored. She loved being with family, reading, working in the yard, and watching things grow. She enjoyed fishing, playing 42, and taking mini vacations with her sisters and friends. She was a devoted wife and mother. She worked tirelessly caring for Lavelle at home as his health declined. She served in church as a Sunday school teacher, nursery worker, and choir member. She was active in the Liberty Hill telephone prayer chain. She was an encourager. In her later years she learned to use the internet to pursue her many interests. As her health declined, she fought hard to remain independent. She loved being able to live out her days in the home where she and Lavelle had built their life together.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister Patsy Beall. She is survived by her son, Greg Elliott of Lufkin; a sister, Sue Smith of Shepherd; nieces Ellen Melton, Michele Powell, Sonya Ray, and Celeste Waller; a nephew Tom Beall; and numerous other relatives.
Graveside funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2024, with Rev. Frank Holrath officiating. Tom Beall, Daryl Melton, Gary Powell, Dennis Ray, Vic Waller, and Lane Chambers are serving as pallbearers. Eck Franks, Brent Nicholson, Alan Russell, and Eric Russell are honorary pallbearers. Music will be provided by Ellen Melton and Hillary Fiscus. Services and interment will be at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine, Texas.
Memorials may be made to Liberty Hill Baptist Church in San Augustine, Texas.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.
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Laquita Joy Ledford was born January 27, 1934, near Chireno in Nacogdoches County, Texas, to Amos Ledford and Juniece Menefee Ledford. She entered into rest on July 25, 2024, in Lufkin, Texas, attaining the age of 90 years.
Laquita was a child of the Great Depression. Her family left the farm, moving from sawmill to sawmill a