Eva Elizabeth Ledford

EVA ELIZABETH LEDFORD, Marietta, SC It is with deep love and profound sadness that our family announces the passing of Eva Elizabeth Ledford, who, at the age of 82, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 2, 2025. Elizabeth’s life was marked by grace, devotion, and quiet strength. Born in Greenville, SC on August 5, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Hubert and Eva Christine Guest. From an early age, she was known for her compassion and gentle spirit, qualities that she was known for throughout her life—as a nurse and farmer, as a wife, mother, grandmother, and as a woman of steadfast faith. For 63 years, she shared a devoted marriage with her husband, Billy Ledford. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and faith, and their partnership was the cornerstone of the family’s enduring closeness. Elizabeth found her greatest joy in caring for her loved ones. She had a remarkable gift for making a house feel like a home, where laughter and warmth filled every corner, and where Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings became treasured traditions. Although she began her career in nursing, Elizabeth’s life’s work was poured into her family and the family farm, where she was an indispensable and tireless partner at Beechwood Farms. She could often be found planning, organizing, and working quietly to ensure everything ran smoothly—always with humility and an unwavering sense of duty. Her kitchen was the heart of her home. Cooking was not just something she did but an expression of love, whether it was a simple meal shared around the table or a feast that drew family from near and far. Her recipes brought people together, her table was always open, and no one ever left hungry. A devoted member of Cleveland First Baptist Church, she served faithfully in the choir and as a Sunday school teacher, where her influence touched generations. She lived her beliefs with sincerity, embodying kindness, patience, and service to others. She is survived by her children, Brian Ledford (Theresa), Brad Ledford (Neely), and Donna Tesner (Don); her cherished grandchildren, Gracen Ledford, Halton Ledford, Creed Ledford (Katelyn), Cori Lee Ledford, Brooks Ledford, Braddon Tesner (Marta), Keean Tesner (Arielle), and Christian Tesner; and her precious great-grandchildren, Rowan Tesner, Adele Tesner, Celina Tesner, and Rosalie Tesner. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, each of whom she loved deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Betty Rochester and Joyce Guest. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at The Howze Mortuary. A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Cleveland First Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Cleveland First Baptist Church, 5 Church Dr., Cleveland, SC—a place she loved and faithfully supported. https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/clev5ch110 Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

Eva Elizabeth Ledford

August 5, 1943 - October 2, 2025