Eliza A. Pender

We meet in sorrow and gratitude to celebrate the life of Mrs. Eliza Ann Pender, who peacefully transcended from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Heritage Hall Healthcare Center, King George, VA. Preceding her in death were her parents, Louise and Clifton Davis and her granddaughter, Dominique N. Scott.

Born in Washington, DC February 6, 1935, Liza or Mickey as she was affectionately called, was the oldest child of Louise and Clifton Davis. She was reared in a loving family with her sister, Ursula Holmes. Liza committed her life to Christ and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church at an early age.

After high school, Liza moved to Washington, DC, and married the late Russell Pender. From that union a daughter, Marzette was born, whom Liza has always called, “My Baby”. While residing in Washington, Liza worked faithfully and tirelessly at Howard University Hospital in the Hospitality/Food Department, retiring after 30 years of service making the patients smile and feel loved. Liza also joined the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where she enjoyed fellowshipping, encouraging, and touching many friends with her sharp wit and comical antics. Special friends from Mt. Calvary who always kept in touch were Susie Preston, Shirley Lee (deceased), Marlene Lee, Berdie Caldwell and Ellen Simpkins (deceased). Friends from Howard University Hospital also kept in touch with phone calls, letters, and visits after Liza’s return to King George, VA.

After a short illness, Liza returned to King George to reside with her daughter. After the illness of her daughter, Liza moved to Heritage Hall Healthcare Center where she was called the sheriff and her deceased cousin, Ann Anderson was called the mayor. She enjoyed the staff and going to weekly Bible Studies, and game nights, but she always loved to see her family and friends whenever they came to visit. Her infectious smile and laugh were a delight to her visitors and the staff of Heritage Hall. If Liza was not smiling or laughing, it was said that she was not having a good day.

Liza can be remembered as being fashionably stylish, fun loving, a die-hard Washington Redskins fan, and a woman full of love and compassion for everyone. She often told her family and friends before departing for a trip to/from DC that she loved them, and those same words of love were often spoken to staff and residents while residing at Heritage Hall.

Although sorrow fills our hearts today, the wonderful memories of Liza will keep her near us forever. Liza will be greatly missed by many, and leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Marzette Pender, her sister, Ursula M. Holmes, and her niece Andreanna Holmes. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of her cousins, caregivers of Heritage Hall and cherished friends.