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Elizabeth Hohenberg Obituary
On Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Elizabeth Ford Hohenberg was taken from us unexpectedly at the age of 59. Elizabeth, or to most that knew and loved her, Bibi, was an exceptionally rare human being. She was born the 4th child to Sally and Jesse Ford in Humboldt, TN on January 14, 1961.
She spent the first few years of her life as the toy of her older siblings, but it was clear even as a young child Bibi was unique. She impressed all by learning to read at the age of 3. Using this precocious skill, she devoured the classics and by 7 years old she was reading the Bhagavad Gita to help her cope with the loss of her beloved grandfather, Dr. Charles Davis.
Few matched the intellect she possessed and her academic achievements were impressive. She excelled at Old Hickory School earning a scholarship to Yale University. When it was time to decide how to continue her academic career, she asked her older brother Charles if she should pursue Law or Medicine, he advised her to become a physician as he had. Bibi graduated 3 years later from Memphis State Law School.
When she wasn't practicing law, Bibi was busy exploring many of her other prodigious skills. She played guitar and was lead singer of a band, even recording an album with Willie Mitchell. Songwriting provided a much-needed outlet for her poetic gift. She could throw a frisbee with the best of them, was an accomplished equestrian, and a formidable opponent on the tennis court.
A love of tennis is just one of the many things she shared with her lifelong partner and husband, Julien Hohenberg. Julien and Bibi first met at an Alumni party for the Yale-Harvard football game. The unlikely couple made an immediate connection fueled by a love of literature and philosophy. Bibi was a devoted wife to her beloved Julien to the end.
As impressive as her resume was, her educational achievements were a footnote in a life that was lived in service to those in need. She possessed rare empathy for those who needed it the most and reserved judgement against those who are most often judged. Bibi spurned a lucrative practice to focus on mediation, and when she did practice traditional law it was for those who typically could not afford representation.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband Julien, his children and nine grandchildren, and her brother Charles. She was preceded in death by her brother Jay and sister Sarah. She will be greatly missed by her ten nieces and nephews.
Please join the family in celebrating her life Oct. 3 from 3-5pm at the Jackson Country Club.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Hohenberg
Sponsored by The Jackson Sun.
Donna Seymour
March 18, 2024
A very sweet person. I had the privilege of knowing her in her very early years in Humboldt. She was a very brilliant student
Lisa Kranc
September 23, 2022
A good day to remember the wonderful Elizabeth-a light in all of our lives
Sherry Sasson
December 14, 2021
It has been over a year since you started your new life. RIH my friend!
James Brockman
July 20, 2021
I just saw this and she is missed by many. A great classmate and a better lawyer.
Paula Tin Nyo
October 12, 2020
Bibi was a remarkable woman, mature beyond her years when I met her as an undergraduate at Yale and yet more fun than any other woman I knew there. She was mischievous, multi-talented and approached life with curiosity and heart. She will be so missed and I am truly fortunate to have benefited from her presence in my early years.
Dorothy Potter Snyder
October 9, 2020
Elizabeth "Bibi" Ford was my friend at Yale. She was always kind to me and, though we dropped out of touch over the years, when I went to graduate school at the University of the South in Tennessee, she quickly wrote and said I should come and visit her in Jackson. I am very sorry I didn't find the time to do it. She was a kind person and, as all know, a very bright one. It's a shock that she is gone so soon.
Lisa Kranc
October 2, 2020
I am so sad to hear about Elizabeth’s passing...I can hardly say those words. Elizabeth was a true friend always. I have never met a kinder, more caring or more gracious person...not to mention smart, smart, smart and a fierce warrior when necessary. She and Julien have been lights in my life since the day I met her; we shared many special times and talks together. Elizabeth has always been there to help whenever I needed. She was a sister to me, and I will always love her. May her memory be a blessing.
Susan and Dan
October 1, 2020
Hey. We last got to see Elizabeth at Fresh Market in check out line. Bout 5 weeks ago. We were bumbling our wares into the counter with our masks on of course. We hear, “Hello strange people” coming from behind us. We stop and turn to these sparking eyes behind us so smiling under her face mask too. We try to catch up on a long time apart. Julien is good. All are good. And we long to hug in our mind hearts. It was an Elizabeth greeting we shall hold onto. We loved being in line with her at the counter being so lovingly And kiddingly called “strange People.” Can we have a song from this, Rakes guys?!!! We only must sing for her and to her yes! With her from now on
Cindy
October 1, 2020
A pure heart and a brilliant mind in one body. What a loss for all who knew her.
Dorothy Frieson
October 1, 2020
thank you for bringing me into your home taking care of your husband...you were a great listener always with a smile..until we meet again...Dorothy Frieson
Juliet Wischmeyer
October 1, 2020
what a beautiful tribute to my rare and kind beloved. After the in-person Celebration of Life mentioned in the obituary, you are also invited to attend a virtual gathering organized by Elizabeth’s Memphis family to share our love of Elizabeth. For more information, see
www.celebratingelizabeth.com
Luisa Pagliarulo
September 29, 2020
The first time I met Elizabeth was playing tennis. Watching her play for the first time, I immediately came to my mind, I want her in my team. She was not only good at tennis, but she was also funny, likable, and down to earth.
I'm surely going to miss her. Rest in peace Elizabeth.
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