A homecoming service took place Feb. 8 at Monumental Baptist Church, Jersey City, for Elizabeth V. Garnes, 83, best known as “Ski.” She passed away Feb. 1 at Jersey City Medical Center with her family and church friends at her side. She was a lifetime resident of the Lafayette Section of Jersey City. Predeceased by her husband Robert Lewis Garnes in 1989. Survived by daughter Belinda Williams of Jersey City, son, Robert S. Garnes, daughter-in-law Donna Scruggs-Garnes of Pennsylvania, daughter Dorisse Shakir-Ullah and son-in-law Dennis Shakir-Ullah of Orange; brother Stanley W. Granderson, sister-in-laws Bessie Mae, Gloria, Vera Garnes, Barbara Jean Oliver and brother-in-laws Johnny and Melvin Garnes and Willie Oliver; grandchildren: Lashawn Garnes, Lamar Williams, Robert Garnes, Ryan Garnes, Theresa Garnes, Bobby Garnes, Tariq Shakir-Ullah, Abdur-Raqeeb Shakir-Ullah, Lamis Shakir-Ullah, Sabir Alim; great-granddaughter Zaniyah Williams; auntie to many nieces and nephews and a host of cousins, extended families and friends. Ski has joined her deceased parents, Stanley Granderson Sr. and Josephine Granderson, sister Jeannette Clayborne and brother-in-law Thomas Clayborne.
She was a religious woman and a long-time faithful member of the Monumental Baptist Church of Jersey City. Throughout her life, she held several positions within the church such as treasurer of the church for one and one-half years; trustee of the church for six years as well as president of the Flower Circle for 36 years, from 1979 to the time of her death. She also had a huge love of Gospel music and songs. She was an active member of the church’s Chapel Choir, which she served as the president for eight years, president of the Voices of Monumental for 12 years and a member of the Jersey City Soul and Spirits Gospel Choir. She was also an honoree member of the Monumental Baptist Church Angel of Praise Dancers.
In addition to her love for church and family, she had an equal love for her Lafayette community where she was born and raised. She constantly shared personal stories as well as the history of the community and Jersey City as a whole. A 14-year member of CABA, she played a vital role in the beautification and restoration of the Rev. Dr. Ercel F. Webb Park for residents to enjoy. From 1958 to June 1972, she held the position of president of the Parent/Teacher’s Council for P.S. 22 elementary school where she organized countless fundraisers and baked hundreds of cupcakes throughout her years for the students’ benefits.
From 1991 to 2011 until retirement, she worked as a bindery and quality assurance operator for Cunningham Graphics (Automatic Data Processing, Inc.) of Jersey City. From 1989 to 1991, she worked as a floor loader for Gordian; from 1973 to 1989, she worked as a stitch operator for Morty’s Bindery and from 1960 to 1973 she worked as a loader and supervisor at the Jersey City Printing Company. Services arranged by the Jackson Funeral Residence, Jersey City.