Meet Moore People is a series dedicated to the people we meet each day but do not really know; people who make Moore County a great place to live and work.
Say “hello” to Jean Ledford.
Ledford became a volunteer with Moore Humane Society in 2009. The no-kill shelter’s adoption policies, volunteer program, and compassion impressed Ledford.
“At that time we had four elderly cats of our own, so being able to socialize with other cats and dogs until they could find their fur-ever homes was very enticing,” Ledford said.
Ledford lives in Whispering Pines and said she loves the small-town atmosphere. She and her husband, Charles Benizio, bought their home in 2006 and commuted from Virginia to enjoy golf, until retirement.
“Our children and grandchildren are spread out in three different states — Virginia, Texas and California. So, we have this wonderful vacation spot for them to come visit,” Ledford said.
Ledford’s husband is also a volunteer, and they walk dogs, socialize with cats, and help with parades, art shows, and PetSmart events.
“I took the role of leading the volunteer orientations for quite a few years, and now our latest thing is fostering kittens for the shelter,” Ledford said.
Whether she is playing with a kitten or enjoying NASCAR, she said her life’s motto is to go after your dreams.
“Do things that make you smile and feed your soul,” Ledford said.
Her husband helped her NASCAR dream come true when he surprised her on her birthday with racing lessons at Buck Baker Racing School in Rockingham.
“I had the time of my life!” Ledford said.
If you know someone who you think makes Moore County a great place to live and would like to see them profiled in this series, please send your suggestions to [email protected].
Feature photo: Moore Humane Society volunteers, Jean Ledford and her husband, Charles Benizio, hold kittens at the shelter. Photo provided.
Written by Sandhills Sentinel Journalist Stephanie M. Sellers.
