Obituary of Ellen Ligon

Ellen (Pollard) Ligon, 91 entered eternal rest Sunday July 10^th at home with family.  Ellen was born on October 11, 1930, in Gloversville, NY to the late Thomas and Geraldine Pollard.  She attended school within the Gloversville School District graduating in 1950. Ellen enjoyed playing sports, however basketball was her favorite. She and her sister Jeraldine were named “Athletes of the Year” in high school.  On November 21, 1953, Ellen was married to the late John Ligon, Sr. They remained married until his death in 1990.  Eight children were born from this union. 

Ellen was a nurse’s assistant at the Fulton County Infirmary for several years and a Home Health Aide caring for her clients in their homes.  She was a Senior Companion employed by NYS Office of the Aging for over 30 years.  Her most favorite assignment as a Senior Companion was at the Lexington Day Habilitation Program where she worked until the COVID-19 pandemic prevented her from continuing to work.  There she developed many long-time friendships with staff and Individuals. Ellen fondly referred to the Individuals as “the kids” and/or “the older folks” even though she was actually older than them!  She retired in 2020 at age 89. 

Ellen was a faithful member of the People’s A.M.E. Zion Church in Gloversville, NY all her life.  She loved the Lord and would often say, “God HAS been good to me”.  Ellen enjoyed fellowshipping with the people of God.  She initiated the Fourth Sunday Fellowship in which the church family would have dinner together after service.  Her desire was to see the church grow and be filled as it had been in the “early days”.  Ellen was a chartered member of Fannie Rose Temple #1198.  She was a member for 56 years.  She served as Daughter Ruler for over 10 years.  Having the women come together and serve the community was important to her.

In addition to her parents, Ellen is predeceased by her husband John, son Larry, granddaughter Jhanyce, brothers Thomas (Isabelle), Henry (Queen Esther) and Donald Pollard, sisters Yvonne Pollard, Myrtle (Sid) Gray and Mildred (Raymond) Bowman, brother-in-law Calvin Beekman, nieces, and nephews.  Ellen is survived her loving sister Jeraldine Beekman who she spent time with and talked to every day.  She is also survived by sons John (Charlene), Paul (Jennifer), Neal (Marilyn); daughters Gail Ligon, JoAnn (Ron) Allen, Rebecca Ligon, Tina Cook and daughter-in-law Debra Ligon.  Ellen is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 19 great greatgrandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, special niece Margo Reid, Godson Harry Robinson, Brian Hall who was like a son to her and many friends.  She loved her family and friends very much and had a unique way of making each one of us feel important and special.  She would often refer to her loved ones and friends as “baby doll”. 

Calling hours are Monday July 18^th 4-7 p.m. at People’s A.M.E. Zion Church 135 W. Fulton Street Gloversville.  The funeral will be Tuesday July 19^th 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 1 W. Montgomery Street, Johnstown NY.  Reverend Robert Linder Pastor of People’s A.M.E. Zion Church will be the Officiant. 

Professional services have been entrusted to Walrath and Stewart Funeral Homes Gloversville, NY.  After the interment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, the family will receive family and friends at Grace Lutheran Church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers please donate to People’s A.M.E. Zion Church, 135 E. Fulton Street Gloversville, NY 12078.