In Loving Memory of
Mary F. Ford
November 25, 1936 – February 12, 2021
Memorial was held on March 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM EST
On November 25, 1936, in White Springs, Florida, the world welcomed the birth of Mary Francis, the eldest of the children of Mattie and the late Oscar Davis, Sr.
She was educated in Florida’s Hamilton and Columbia County school systems. After graduating high school, Mary relocated to New York City to seek educational and career opportunities. In the mid-sixties, she married fellow Floridian, Louis Ford. She retired in late nineties after 30 years of service with Queens college supervising the maintenance staff. Mary expressed her faith in all facets of life. It was common for staff members to become her church members. She had a passion for witnessing and bringing the weary to Christ.
Mary’s relationship with Christ began at an early age. She was baptized in Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Lake City Florida. She rededicated her life to Christ in the mid-seventies, and joined Antioch Church of God in Christ, Jamaica, NY. It was at Antioch that Mary delved into God’s word and fortified her faith. If she was not in church worshipping, she was at home studying the Bible and praying. As her faith grew so did her ministry. Mary illuminated the heart of God by serving in ministries that touched the lives of others.
She later joined First Church of God in Christ, Jamaica, NY, where she participated in a food pantry ministry. She eventually headed the ministry and expanded the mission to include hot meals. Participants always left with bags of food in hand, warm meals in their stomachs, and prayers for their souls.
While at First Church, Mary felt a call from God to start a Sister Sistah Circle ministry. It started as an annual retreat for the church’s women and family members. Today, the ministry has over 300 members who pray together throughout the year, hold an annual prayer breakfast, and rejoice unto the Lord at its summer retreat. Mary’s twenty-eight year legacy as the founder and visionary of Sister Sistah Circle continues to flourish and includes members from her last church home, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY.
Evangelist Ford was one-of-a-kind. She just wanted the Lord to be pleased with her life. She focused on doing what was right instead of what was acceptable. She wanted to be a light in a dark and dying world. For those who love her, her love is an unextinguishable flame to pass along.
Her memory will be cherished by her mother, Mattie; son Berlin; sisters Irma, Linda and Rita (Vernon); brother Oscar Jr (Lucinda); granddaughters Chippella, China, Nikia (James) and Kolbe; grandson Isaiah; twelve great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends, and her spiritual sisters, Carolyn and Fannie.
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5 Years Ago and today!
Message: It’s been 5 years since you’ve gone home to be with the Lord. I knew I should’ve called back up to that hospital and said “NO” to putting you on that ventilator! If only you had never been taken back to NY. If only I would’ve camped out in front of that nursing home. All the what if’s that visit my thoughts….Gosh, I miss you so much still…. forever I will. Times I wish I could pick up the phone and call you…. chat it up. … tell you about a funny thing along the way….. talk to you about anything. I miss breaking bread with you while watching our tv programs. You were one Classy sistah, sister! Lol. Boy could we shop til we drop and eat until they’re was only enough room to roll over on our sides!! My only pleasant childhood memories are when I was with you and you were TOUGH! Definitely, wasn’t all laughs with you but definitely more smiles than tears. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I learned to appreciate your heart along with all your rough edges. You always meant well and I would be a lost cause had not God worked through you. I’m so grateful to God fur a Grandmother like you!! You gave me valuable life skills and lessons! Well….. every good chapter must end. You’d be glad to know our little girls are getting MARRIED!!!!! Man, we wish you were here to help get us prepared & celebrate with us. No worries…. I’m representing for the both of us! I light a candle for your Birthday and Departure date each year. To God be the glory for your legacy!! I miss you. I pray to see you and live with you in Heaven…… I’m running for my life. My love for you is eternal Grandma. ❤️ 🙏🏾 🙌🏿 😇 Your Daughter/Granddaughter ~Daima (Chippy)
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Missing you dearly mother Ford. Your love and support for family and community has not been forgotten. No one has filled your shoes since your passing. Well done saint. 🌹
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Evangelist (Mother) Ford was a blessing , a true woman of God. I miss her so much, she will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace
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Love you always, Grandma Mary.
From Auncle Chim
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We are here to celebrate your life
And the measure of its worth
And every single life you touched
While you were on this earth.
We wish to pay our last respects.
That’s why we all are here,
To thank you for your friendship
And all the memories we hold dear.
It’s been a privilege to have known you.
We were family, not just friends,
And we will carry you in spirit
Until we meet up once again.
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My Sincere Sympathy To The Davis Family May The Lord Continue To Give You The Strength And Peace You Seek
Juanita Dash Wms. Smith????????????????????????❤️❤️❤️
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Condolences to the entire family fir this Tremendous loss in Sis Mary. May God provide you all comfort at this difficult time.
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Today’s Memorial Service shall always be remembered. I feel blessed and honored to have
been invited and to know such a lovely family. Knowing ‘Ma’ Coleman for more than 51 years
has blessed me to know so many family members. A ‘SPECIAL THANK YOU” to you for letting me share
such a part of her life. ‘Ma’ and I have spent a lot of wonderful times together. Wherever I
have lived– she has always been there for as long as she desired; even through my
sickness. The bond we share is SOOOO Worthy. Her friendship means more than words can express.
As I viewed the service of Mary, I saw Mom. I had not realized so much likeness — physically,
emotionally and spiritually. All of her relationships, conversations and attitudes were likeness of
my friend and Mother-Figure. ‘Ma’, not only did I see you in her –but, my eyes through The Spirit
showed you down your generations. WHAT A FAMILY and lovely Friend you have to share this
life! I am very proud to know you and have spent time with most of you since her 80th birthday. Kudos To YOU, ‘Ma’. and your lovely spiritual family. “To God Be The Glory For The Things He Has Done,
Is Doing And Will Do. NOW, My Friend and Confidant… we WAIT FOR SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 TO
CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY # 103!!!… IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
With love,
Daisy M. Crawford
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Our heartfelt condolences to Ms Mattie and Family in your hour of sorrow but you can truly rejoice to know she has reached her destiny
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I just wanted to say that Mary Ford touched my life in so many ways. As a teenager, I practically lived at her house (from the ages of 14-17) because I was best friends with her granddaughter, Chippella. She always welcomed me with open arms and I grew to call her Grandma Mary (or Granny) because she became like a grandmother to me. I will forever hold my fondest memories of her in my heart (most of which had me laughing until my stomach hurt), along with her wit, her quick remarks, her sarcasm, her words of wisdom, her piercing eyes when she was about to lovingly shoot straight from the hip, her warm hugs, and her smile that was illuminating. I long to hear her say to me once more, “Hey, roundhead!” (her name for me and “Roundhead #2” –the name she gave my first born). I thank God for my friendship with Chippella, because she shared a remarkable woman with me. She touched my life more than words can possibly express. I love you, Granny…until we meet again. ~ Roundhead
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I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have keep the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
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Prayers and condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful woman of God and loving grandmother to my Godson Isaiah. Forever in my heart and I will cherish the many conversations we shared over the years. Sleep on, rest in Gods loving arms..
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Much love to you and your family may God bless you and continue to hold you in his grace
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We will miss God’s angel that blessed so many of us.
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Mary was near and dear to me. i looked
Forward to her many visits to Maryland and I enjoyed the fellowship and the occasional food as well. Along with so many others I will miss her greatly. To Granny,Berlin and the rest of the relatives, my family and I extend to you our love, prayers and condolence. Be blessed.
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Thank you Mother Ford for sharing your vision for sisters coming together annually to prayer together at Edys farm. My life was forever changed! Sleep on and take your rest, we loved you but God loved you best!
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Mary Ford is the Grandmother of my Daughters, China & Nlkia.. I
met Mary Ford as I always called her by both names, in 1976, & will forever Love her. Sleep in Peace Loved one.
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Our deepest condolences on your loss. May God grant your family peace during this trying time. Rev Ray & Mary Gregg
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Mary always had a kind word and a bright spirit. She was loved and will be missed.
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The Riviera Beach Family will miss Aunt Mary. I am glad my girls got to meet her when we visited NYC. My prayers are with all that are grieving during this time. You will forever be in my heart.
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Mother Ford, Rest In Peace for I know that your place in heaven has been reserved.. For your work here I’m confident is none other than pleasing to GOD. Your touch has been wide and far to which I’ve not only been a spectator of but also a recipient. I’m missing you already but know that you’ve touched my life in ways that only a mother can . You mothered me in my younger years, taught me how to be a mother in many ways , you were a mother to my daughter and grandmother too. Your doors were opened in my time of need, your generosity heartfelt. It’s funny how GOD works. I believe that he allowed us time together for he knew you’d be coming home soon. Recent times have bought us together again , Hurricane Sandy brought me to your doors and you opened them up as you’ve done for so many others and you shared that minimal space with me and my significant other. for several weeks. Then We strolled around Walmart shopping for things you and I both needed. as Iittle as it was it was special because when it’s all said and done sometimes it’s the small things that matter the most. I love you Mother Ford and you’ll always be in my heart , GOD BLESS YOU and I’ll meet you on the other side. Qubie
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Mother Ford. A prayer warrior, a mentor to everyone she came in contact with.
I’m truly going to miss her. What a legacy she has left .
Evangelist Dianna King
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Job well done Mother Ford. I thank you for chosing me to be a part of the Sister/Sistah Circle. I’m going to miss you. I Love you. Forever in my heart. Love, Lynn
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In loving memory of my dear sister, co-laborer in the gospel and friend; God is not unrighteous to forget her work and labour of love.
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Grandma
You were none less than a Mom & so much more to me. I can’t believe this day has come…. surely I believed my SHERO would live forever…… and in my heart, I believe you are ALIVE….. just on the other side of eternity……& in the hearts of every man, woman & child you loved on. I MISS YOU SO MUCH. We ALL miss you & this earth isn’t the same since your light left. Yet, your flame burns on. For many saw your good works & many glorify God as a result. For truly it was God & only God who used you in so many ways to be a Blessing to so many others! So many people came to know the Lord & serve the Lord because of the ways you served Him & loved us. Humanitarian, Philanthropist, Innovator, Curator, Volunteer…. are just a few to describe you but the greatest of them all is FRIEND. You were alot to many but a FRIEND to us all! Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Rest in POWER Ma! I can’t wait to see what your crown, wings, outfit & shoes looks like HUNNIE….. cause I know you gonna be SHARP!!!! Please tell the Angels who make the Heavenly garb that I’m gonna need a touch of Leapord print on the tips of my wings????????❤???????? & when the rest of your family & friends get there…….. we gonna TURN UP! ????