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On January 19, 1931, a precious jewel came into the world. She would grow up to be a wonderful and kind woman. God blessed her and allowed her to become a mother, "Liz" as she was called, grew up in Frederick, Maryland living with her Aunt Sue Mason. She attended school there, eventually graduating from Lincoln High School. She was interested in many things, but she and her friends, known as "The Big Five"; had a great bond and enjoyed playing basketball, participating on the cheer squad, and serving in church. After graduating high school, Liz moved to East Orange, New Jersey with her father, Ashbury Thomas, and stepmother, Beulah (Brooksie) Thomas.

She attended secretarial school and was eventually employed as a clerk with the Department of the Navy. She also met her husband, William H. Royster (Bill), and had two children, Morgann J Royster, and Kermit M. Royster. She worked all her life. She made her home in Scotch Plains, New Jersey and eventually retired from the Hall of Records as a Bookkeeper in Newark, New Jersey. After divorcing, she returned to East Orange and continued to enjoy her life. She was actively involved in her church. She was a founding member of the Imani Baptist Missionary Church, in the seniors ministry, the childrens ministry, and vacation bible school. She also loved volunteering at the Travelers Aid Office at Newark International Airport and serving in the office as a volunteer in support of Womens Cancer Research. At her home, she enjoyed working in her yard. It was her greatest joy, attending to her roses and ensuring her lawn was the greenest on the block. She also enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, sewing, and going dancing with her friends.

Later in life, Liz was blessed with a gift, a granddaughter, Jasmine Elizabeth Royster, whom she loved greatly, and she was, just as she was a mother, the best and most devoted grandmother anyone could have. Later in life, she relocated to Florida with her daughter and son-in-law. She was her daughters best friend. We are grateful for all the laughter as well as the tears, the great times we had traveling together, her strength, and her unwavering support. She was and will always be my best friend, my favorite girl, my love, my mother. We thank God for blessing US with HER. She will be missed by many, her quiet, sweet spirit has gone to rest, to be with her ancestors. Never forgotten, always in our hearts. Rest well Mommy, We love you, you are loved by many, and we will see you on the other side.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ashbury and Mary Thomas; grandmother, Eliza Mayo; sister, Edna Jackson; brother, James Mayo. Liz leaves to mourn the children, Morgann J. Royster Smith ( devoted son-in-law, Michael H. Smith) and Kermit M. Royster; granddaughter, Jasmine E Royster; nieces, Patricia Mayo, Sharon Mayo-Terry, Rev Carmen Royster-Caldwell, Delores Royster, Sharlene Royster, Carla Royster (preceded in death, Cassandra (Sandy) Royster) Marguerite Royster and a host of great nieces, nephews, Gregory, Rodney, and Kevin (preceded in death, Glenn Royster) and a host of great nephews; lifelong friend, Doris (mess) Louis; devoted friends, Estelle Pierce-Beswick, Sophie and Willie Wright, Frances, and George Prunty, (preceded in death, Cynthia Patterson); sister-in-law, Naomi Hargrave, friends in Christ Maureen Howard and Gloria Peterson and a host of relatives and sorrowing friends.

Aikens Funeral Home

Aikens Funeral Home