Mrs. Josephine Ford departed this life Monday. November 4, 2024, in Albany, Georgia. Josephine was born August 5, 1939 in Leary GA to the late Josiah and Mamie Jackson. She was the youngest of four children, all girls. Her core values of  God, family, hard work, and loyalty were woven into the fabric of her character.

She received her formal education in the Calhoun County School System. She attended H.T. Singleton High School where she was active in sports to  include playing on the basketball team. She was a proud graduate of the  Class of 1958. After graduation, she continued to attend High School Reunions for the next 60 years, until her health began to fail.

In December 1958 she married the love of her life, Mr. Edmund James Ford. Their union endured for 16 years until his death in 1977, and was blessed with seven wonderful children. As a wife, she worked shoulder to shoulder with her husband in all his endeavors; as a mother, her children were her priority. She labored tirelessly to ensure that her children were raised with an abiding faith in God Almighty.

Josephine was a kind-giving person, independent and strong and a true believer in God. She was a faithful member of Saint Kline Baptist Church (Previously Pleasant Hill Baptist) for over 66 years, where she served on the Usher Board.

She leaves many wonderful stories to be shared, and so many memories will be treasured.  She was a handful to say the least. Always a true spirit, she  was feisty and loved to joke and talk a little trash with friends. She was a true people person who would befriend pretty much anyone, and strike up a conversation with ease. Many who met her could be guaranteed a real friend for life. Josephine loved everybody,  cooked and fed everybody. She always encouraged the young to do what was right.

Josephine was proud of her cooking skills. She handled her business in the  kitchen with the best of them. She loved preparing home cooked meals for her family and friends.  Specialties were her collard greens, turkey dressing and soul food feasts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Edmund J. Ford; 3 sons Willie E. Ford, Kenneth J. Ford and Darren J. Ford; 3 sisters Bertha Bailey, Carrie Mae Walton, and Eddie Lee Ross.

She leaves to mourn her passing 2 daughters, Carol Harris- Montgomery AL, Daphne Ford (Kenneth)- Albany GA, and 2 sons Saul Ford Jr (Audrey)- Hampton GA, and Tyrone Ford- Albany GA, 1 special Step Daughter Patricia Benjamin (Ronald)- Dawson GA.
Some Very Special Nieces and Nephews who were just like her own "chilluns" Annie Jackson(George)- Palm Bay Florida, Doretha Jackson, Eddie Walton(Mary), and Phillip Jackson-Denver Colorado, Saul Jackson (Carrie)- Colorado Springs Colorado, Willie Jackson (Linda), and Pearline Jackson- Leary Georgia, Phillis Jackson(Larry) and Penola James (Alva)- Albany GA; dear sisters-in-law; Rosa M. Hall, Geneva Bond, brother-in-law; Henry Walden (Carrie)-Albany GA; 21 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Special gratitude to her youngest daughter, Daphne, who lovingly took care of Mom for the final years of her life. Special thanks to her Grandson Marquez Mosely and her Niece Latasha Price for assisting Daphne.