Elizabeth Eason

Elizabeth Eason , 82, passed away,in her Oceanside CA, home September 19,2023 . She was born in St. Louis ,MO, to parents Clark Sylvester and Jessie Mae Davis , January 27, 1941. She attended Wellston High School (St. Louis).

Upon graduation , she had earn a basketball scholarship to the University of Tennessee . The program had heard about her athletic traits and skills ,by word of mouth. But when they realized she was black ,they rescinded her scholarship. Perplexed, the next few weeks, she would spend time ,walking downtown and contemplating her future. She decided to join the Marines, where she would meet Ralph Eason. They would be married 56 years .

Upon receiving her honorable discharge from the military, they raised their two sons , Antoine and Anthony . She would be known for her tough love and stern guidance , but was sympathetic when needed. Her kids would know the difference between “wants and needs “. They never would be without anything they needed, but might not get what they wanted. sons also learned early that mama wouldn’t tolerate ,in her words, “piss-poor-planning” or a “half-ass job”. Elizabeth supported her children’s passions, She attended their sporting events, marching band performances, and whatever else her boys were involved in. Also, she regularly communicated with her son’s teachers - ensuring her kids were doing well in school.

Grandma Liz, or Nana would show her love to her grandkids by exposing them to many things. Taking them to Las Vegas, racetrack, balboa park, shopping trips, to name a few. Even giving one her old car, (with only 60k miles on it)when Grandma Liz , bought herself a new one. Somehow she forgot the “needs and wants” for them.

Her husband would serve 23 years in the Marine Corps. This meant the family would be moving every 2-3 years. With each relocation, Elizabeth was challenged with searching out new employment, As the years passed, she became a cosmetologist, , tax preparer, equal opportunity commision office clerk, as well as receiving certification in the hospitality & travel industry. This also included opening Chocolate Lizzie’s , her own candy business. She also made charger football earrings , that would be sold at the football . She would work the longest for Pacific Bell , where she would be known by some as ms. ergonomics , for her help in setting up this ,then new , employee health program. Also where she would make lifetime friends.

She also had many lifetime friends , that they encountered from military travels. With her husband, they would host many Pinochle parties, which her sons have fond memories. They were allowed to sample the food and snacks before going to their room ,when the guest came.

In 1981, her love of sports caused her to become a San Diego Charger season ticket holder. She would hold those tickets until the franchise moved to Los Angeles . She became a Charger Backer , the official team endorsed fan club. She would meet the rookies each season . At Thanksgiving she would make sweet potato pies for the first year players. Liz’s pies would become a locker room favorite , with veteran players offering up to $100 a pie. Liz would help and volunteer for a number of community organizations. One of her favorites was the Charger Blood Drive.

She also had Del Mar horse racing season tickets . And had pretty good luck with it, telling her son ,

I know these horses , like you know football & basketball players, pedigree. She also was an avid bowling. Bowling weekly in leagues most of her adult life. The athletic spirit nudged her to play in a women’s over 60 basketball league , for a season . She realized she wasn’t 18 yrs old, when she tore her rotator cuff and had to quit playing.

She lived a fun and full life . And cared for her family and friends . Never wanted to see anybody in need (remember not wants).

Elizabeth was preceded in death by husband Ralph, parents Clark Sylvester and Jessie Mae . Her brothers Leslie Davis , Barton Davis , sisters Ruth Hellums and Jessie White. She is survived by her sons Antoine (Dawn)and Anthony Eason . As well as granddaughters Renee Eason , Desiree Knatt, Brittany Knatt .And great grand children Kayla and Kaiden Williams.