of Decatur, GA
February 22, 1927 - November 29, 2014
Lou Ellen (Harmon) Ford passed peacefully in her sleep on the evening of Saturday, November 29, 2014. Beloved wife, she is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Robert Ford, Jr. She was a loving mother to Ronald James and Rebecca Ellen, a doting grandmother to Amanda Lou, Meredith Abigail, and Robert Paul, and great-grandmother to Gilead Gray. Lou Ellen delighted in the expansion of her family to include daughter-in-law Mary Walters and son-in-law Daniel Doster, as well as grandsons-in-law Jesse Edgerton and Mark Zemelman. Of her eight siblings, she is survived by her sister Evelyn Qualls of Evening Shade and brother Robert Dale Harmon of Floral, as well as many beloved cousins and nieces and nephews.
A lifelong resident of Independence County, Lou Ellen spent her childhood at Southside, the eldest girl in a family of nine children born to Matt and Gracie Lou Harmon. She and her sisters worked for many years serving dinner guests at the Marvin Hotel in Batesville. Lou Ellen met her husband Robert while working in town, and they married in February 1947, shortly after he returned from serving in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. In the early years of their marriage, Ellen and Robert bought a farm and moved to Jamestown. They returned to live in Batesville when their children entered school, but continued to farm together in Jamestown their entire lives.
A woman of great faith, Lou Ellen was a member of Jamestown Missionary Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught children and ladies Sunday School for many years. An avid learner, she loved to read and to support the education of her children and grandchildren through encouragement and example. In the early 1960's Lou Ellen received her high school diploma from a Chicago secondary school after completing and excelling in a six year correspondence course, in addition to her duties as a full time wife and mother to two teens.
Mrs. Ford's green thumb was legendary. In addition to growing and preserving much of her family's food, she also tended beautiful flower gardens. She was especially fond of lilies and peonies. Lou Ellen was an expert seamstress, making most of her own clothes, as well as clothes for her children and grandchildren, often using no pattern at all. She kept an immaculate house and among family and friends Lou Ellen was famous for her home cooking. She delighted in spoiling her family with delicious food, even mailing packages of favorite pies and cookies to her faraway children and grandchildren.
Lou Ellen's greatest legacy is the loving marriage she shared with her husband Robert for nearly seven decades. They were equal partners and helpmates in every sense, and sustained a loving and close bond for their entire lives. Her family is heartbroken at her passing but comforted knowing she is resting in the loving arms of her Lord.
Visitation will be Friday, December 5th from 4:30-7pm in the sanctuary at Calvary Baptist Church, Batesville. A private family burial will be planned under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lou Ellen Ford's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Becky
So sorry. I just now learned of your mom's passing.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Grant W.
We are so sorry for your loss! May our Heavenly Father surround you in His love and give you peace.
In Christ,
Bryan, Laura & Marley Anderson
Mr. Ford and family; so sorry for your great loss from my personal past I know the feeling. God bless in days ahead . you're in my prayers.
We met Lou Ellen only once, at Moti & Amanda's wedding. But we learned how she was the matriarch of an exceptional family, nurturing talented and loving children and grandchildren, supporting a gracious and warmhearted husband, and encouraging them all in their endeavors. It's so good that she got to see a great grandchild as well. While everyone will miss her, she leaves a deep legacy that does not fade, of caring both for family and for the world around us.
With love for all her family,
Steve and Susan Zemelman
Robert and Children. So sorry for your loss of a sweet, beloved lady. I have fond memories of our times at your home during my teen years.I brought my kids to your home at Halloween for several yrs. Our prayers will be with you in the days to come, God Bless.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for the family.
Becky,
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Ford's passing. She was a sweet lady. Always enjoyed our visits, when I worked for her. We always discussed how we were kin. Our prayers are with your family!
Thinking of you all & keeping you close in our hearts at this difficult time. Mrs. Ford's beautiful spirit lives on in all of you that she so cherished.
So sorry for your loss Mr Bob. All of us at Kent's have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Ford Family,
Aunt Lou was a Beautiful Loving Christian Lady. From the Farm to Harrison Street; she was my Sunday School teacher, my beloved and wise Aunt, a loyal friend, and my confidant. I vividly remember Rebecca practicing on the piano, Ronald coming in from baseball practice, Uncle Robert coming home from his Garage, and Aunt Lou in the Kitchen fixing a delicious dinner (back in the day). Aunt Lou was proud of her family and rightly so, as you were all a part of her. She will remain in my heart forever. May God grant you his peace and favor.
Love Always.
Sheila Caldwell
I am so sorry to hear of the death in your family. Meredith and Jesse spoke of Mrs. Ford often. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Ford, Becky, Ronald, and family,
Mrs. Ford was one of the sweetest, kindest people I've ever known. I have many good memories of her, especially during my "Lassie years" with Becky. I thank God for her rich life and ask Him to comfort you during this difficult time.
Robert we wanted you to know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ellen set an example for all of us to follow.
Lisa loved being in her Sunday School Class at Calvery when we lived in Batesville.
With love,
Rick and Gloria Sparrow
So sorry for your loss Robert, Ronald, & Becky. Praying for your comfort & strength for the days ahead.
Many many Prayers of comfort for the loss of such a wonderful Christian woman.
I loved the time spent in her Sunday School classes.
Heaven gained a Beautiful Angel.
Highest Personal Regards,
Lisa D. Sparrow
So sorry to here about Aunt Lou
She sure will be missed
She was a wonderful lady
God has another angel
Greatest Aunt ever and you will be greatly missed but you leave us with fond memories. You are very loved. RIP
RIP Lou Ellen Ford, God bless the Family..
Mrs. Ford, I don't even know where to begin. First of all I just want to say I love you so much. You taught me a lot in the year that I knew you an took care of you. You were the kindest person I knew. I am so heartbroken that you are gone, but I know you are in a better place an that you are happy and not suffering. I love you so much. An bless your heart.
Becky and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family at this sad time.
Thinking of you, Phyllis
Our hearts go out to all of you. Hugs!
We will miss you Aunt Lou. You are a sweet wonderful lady.
God has and angle with him now.
God bless you all.