"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD" Leviticus 19:32 (NIV)

JEAN LIDDELL (AYLER)

AGE: 80 + LIVES IN INKSTER

She was born in Inkster (Nankin Township)

Number of children 3 Number of grandchildren 7

What you want the readers of the Telegram to know

I was born in Inkster in 193?. My parents built a home at 3835 Harriet St in 1923 and it still stands and is livable. That was where I was born. I'm the fifth child of seven. My parents were Rev. James and Bessie Ayler.

Employment History

As a teenager, I worked at local stores Knott/Burns. After graduating from Inkster High School, I attended Lewis Business College and worked at Sears & Roebuck. I was the first Black at the Livonia Store at 7 mile and Middlebelt, then at Allen's Super Market- Black Owned Grocery Store and I retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. After retirement I was a Foster Grandmother and a Poll Worker for 20 years.

My Family Members are:

James & Bessie Ayler parents – Brothers Edward – Deceased, Ruthie Mae – Deceased, Mable -Deceased, James Jr. - Deceased, Jean-Estella - Deceased and Joseph who lives in Florida.

Motto you live by:

Let life live and enjoy each day you have.

Who inspires you and why?

My parents and pastors – First Mission Baptist from birth to 1999; From 2000 – Present the Great Dr. John Duckworth.

What do you remember most about growing up in the community where you did?

Going from house to house singing Christmas Carols. Playing in the Streets; gardening; no paved streets; Going to the commence built by Ford Motor Company for the employees in Inkster at Harrison and Andover St. for food and clothes only a ½ block from my home. I remember playing in the streets; Neighbors feeding us; No street lights; Just one big happy family in Inkster

What message would you like to give to your grandchildren? Let love and be happy.

Favorite Singers: Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Kirk Franklin. I like Rhythm & Blues and Jazz

Favorite Movies: The Body Guard, Pretty Woman and Black Panther

Favorite Actor/Actress: Denzel Washington, R. Franklin, Whitney Houston and Jennifer Holiday

Favorite Person: My parents, my brothers and my present pastor – Rev. Duckworth; friends and love ones

I am an active member of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church of Westland and a member of the Commission of Aging.