Elizabeth Koger

Elizabeth Armstead Koger was born on August 12, 1930, to Clarence and Mary L. Armstead in Florence, Alabama. Elizabeth confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Bethel Lauderdale Missionary Baptist Church. She joined Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church as a young adult. Liz, as she was affectionately called, was joined in holy matrimony to Joseph M. Koger, April 24, 1948, and to this union three daughters were born, Ruth, Margaret and Kimberly. Seeking a better life, the family relocated to Detroit, Michigan. Elizabeth joined Dexter Baptist Church in 1958 under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. William R. Haney. She was in attendance until her health began to fail her and she could no longer drive. Her preference was the early morning service. As a younger member, she belonged to the Young Matrons Missionary Society and was also an active member of its District #10. Always caring and nurturing, Elizabeth entered the workforce as a Crossing Guard for the Detroit Public School system providing safety for the neighborhood children. A few years later she became a Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA). As a CNA, Liz had employment with LawDen Nursing Home caring for adults and Madonna Nursing Home caring for children. For a short time, at the urging of her friend Hattie, Elizabeth tried her hand at a small manufacturing company, Adell. From the stories told, it seemed with those two together, it was more fun than work and they remained there until it closed. At this point, Liz went back to what she loved, caring and nurturing. This time she chose Sugar and Spice Nursery School. She loved working with children, teaching them the pre-school requirements, guiding them through arts and craft activities and accompanying them on field trips. Her partner in crime during this journey was her friend Sammye Earl. Her next endeavor took her to Henry Ford Hospital were she remained until she retired. However, after retirement, Elizabeth continued caring for other as a private duty nurse with Kelly Services. Liz loved the holidays and entertaining family and friends. Until her health declined, she also enjoyed attending her meetings with the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 8452 and Emma V Kelley Temple, No 650. Elizabeth departed this life on September 10, 2018, at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. Her husband, Joseph; parents, Clarence and Mary L. Armstead; sister, Lucy Koger; and brothers Andrew, Dennis, George, Joseph, Lawrence, and William preceded her in death. Along with the many individuals whom she loved and touched are memories left to be cherished by her three daughters,Ruth King (Donald), Margaret Health (Thomas), and Kimberly Koger; eight grandchildren, Shaunte Moses (Julius), Tara Taylor (Lendal), Shannon Johnson (Tanya), Terrell Health, Thomas Beal, Donald King III, (Geniece), Dwayne King (Lisa), Damon King (Marchett); Eighteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Eliza Rowell and Eva Armstead; Aunt Vivian Chandler; a host of many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Elizabeth Koger

August 12, 1930 - September 10, 2018