Mr. Willie B. Ford Sr.

July 5, 1934 - January 13, 2020

****NOTE: Visitation and Funeral Service Times and Location Listed Below**** On January 13, 2020 Deacon Willie B. Ford, Sr. peacefully went home to be with the Lord. Willie was born July 5, 1934 to Oliver and Emma Ford in Leland, Mississippi. Deacon Ford accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of The Second Missionary Baptist Church where he was the chairman of the deacons and was active in missionary work and Sunday school. As chairman of the Deacon's Ministry for more than 30 years, Deacon Ford exemplified faithfulness and dedication serving Pastor Matthew Wright and most recently Pastor Dr. Strick Strickland Sr. in spite of sickness and inclement weather, he would continue to serve and press forward to proudly and fully support his pastor and church family. He was truly a pastor's friend and will be remembered as such. Astute and always smiling, Deacon Ford imparted his wisdom by counseling and encouraging anyone that crossed his path throughout his lifetime. He was an exceptional husband and father married to the love of his life Arletha Ford for 49 years. As a father, Deacon Ford was extremely devoted and cherished spending quality time with his children as much as possible. His continual guidance to his children as they became adults is a testament of what a father can accomplish when love, guidance, leadership, and a firm belief in the Lord is applied to their everyday life. Deacon Ford demonstrated his strong faith and belief trusting in the Lord during his illness and favored reading/hearing Psalm 23 one of his favorite verses until he was called home. Deacon Ford was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Emma Ford, wife Arletha Ford, son Zachary Bradley, daughter Arletha Ford, brothers Oliver Ford, Percy Ford, Cleophes Ford, Robert Ford and Thad Ford. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son Willie Ford Jr. of Solon, Ohio; daughter Areatha Ford of Kalamazoo, Michigan; sister Essie Scott of Inkster, Michigan; daughter-in-law’s Gina Bradley of Evanston, Illinois and Kimberly Ford of Solon, Ohio; sister-in-law’s Martha Ford of Memphis, Tennessee and Diana Hamilton of Dallas, Texas; son-in-law Leonard Stafford; six grandchildren Niaketta, Jamael, Willie III, Aaron, Kendall, and Kennedy; nine great grandchildren Akasia, Amaria, Daejuan, Makiyah, Kamiyah, Arionna, Colbie, William and Aurora; devoted friends Albert and Ethel Hampton. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and The Second Missionary Baptist Church.