Ebony & White's Funeral Service | Lincolnton, NC

Obituary For Hazelene Ford

Reverend Dr. Hazelene Hush Ford age 71 of Lincolnton, North Carolina transitioned on Monday, June 29, 2020 at CaroMont Health, Gastonia, North Carolina. She was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina on September 20, 1948 to the late John Amos Hush and Cleola Charles Hush.

Those who knew Dr. Ford would say she was a woman of strong resolve who pushed past boundaries and loved education. She was among the first group of African American students to integrate Lincolnton High School, graduating in 1966. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from N.C. A&T State University. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Education from Lenoir Rhyne University. In addition, Dr. Ford obtained a Master of Educational Administration, a Master of Learning Disabilities, and an Advance Degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She served for 30 years with the State of North Carolina, as a teacher and then Principal of the night High School Equivalency program before finishing her career as an administrator with Lincoln County Schools. Dr. Ford continued her educational pursuits by obtaining first a Master of Biblical Studies and then a Doctor of Biblical Studies. Dr. Hazelene Ford also obtained her Doctor of Divinity degree from New Vision University. She was an active member of the NAACP. She was a member and Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Ford was a charter member of Xi Phi Omega Chapter in Hickory, NC. Dr. Ford served as a Chaplain at Lincoln County Hospital and served as a member and contributor to many organizations in the community.

Funeral Service is Monday, July 6, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church with burial to follow in Hollybrook Cemetery. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. The body will lie in state at Ebony & White’s on Sunday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The family will not be present. Due to COVID-19 everyone is asked to wear masks.

Survivors are her husband, Gary Ford of the home, son, DeRon Ford (Catina) of Gastonia, NC, daughter, Garrette Martin-Yeboah (Samuel) of Baltimore, MD, two brothers, Reginald Hush of Largo, MD, Elworth Hush of New Paltz, NY, two sisters, Mary Briggs of Marlboro, NJ, Evangelist Ellen Louise McClain of Lincolnton, NC, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren

Ebony & White’s Funeral Service is serving the Ford family

Guest Book

I will remember my Grandma for her kindness and generosity most of all. Graduating from Johnson C. Smith University was possible for me because of my Grandma's enduring support. I am blessed to have been graced with her presence for 25 years. Grandma on behalf of myself,Tre, Ryan, Kyler and Kelsi I would like to say you will be missed dearly but never forgotten.

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To the Ford family. The members of Mount Olin AME Zion Church send our prayers of comfort and peace to you at this time of bereavement. We lift you up before the face of God and pray that he will give you a peace beyond all understanding. Dr. Ford will continually be a blessed memory within our hearts. Rev. Marcus E. Farmer and the MT. Olin church family.

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To the Ford and Hush Families, I am deeply saddened by the passing of a lifetime friend and schoolmate. Hazel-as I called her-was always a thoughtful, sincere and compassionate person. Even as an elementary school student, she weighed all sides of an issue and offered the most just and equitable solution possible. She maintained a kind, generous and caring demeanor and was willing to give of her time and expertise whenever she was called upon to do so. Her beautiful smile, personality and laughter could light up even the darkest room. I am honored to have had her as a friend and will miss her earthly presence. However, I'm sure her faithful spirit and good works will continue to shine a light on all our paths. May she rest in Peace. Alana Holloway Barter and the Leonard and Catherine Holloway Family

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The Clergy and Members of the Statesville District A.M.E. Zion Church extend our deepest sympathy to Mr. Gary Ford and family at the passing of our colleague and friend, The Rev. Dr. Hazelene Ford, former pastor of St. James AME Zion Church, Maiden, NC. Family, only God knows the depth of loss you all are experiencing, but please know that we share in your grief. Rev. Ford's presence among us was a gift from God. Her infectious laugh, her unique praise, her giving heart, her teaching spirit and all around team player will be remembered. She can't come back here but we can prepare to meet her in glory!

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Dr. Ford was building principal at the Lincolnton Junior High School Grammar Building in the early to mid 1980s. She was a joy to work for and really kept morale high. I am so sorry for your loss.5

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Thank you Ms. Ford for doing so much for many black children when you worked in the school system. You made sure majority of the black children was treated fairly and with opportunities. Thank you so much. You won't be forgotten. May your spirit rest in peace in the Lord.

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We send our deepest sympathy to the family that we have known for at least 24 years for the loss of your loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grand mother. Our thoughts and prayers are for strength and healing. The Jones Family of Clinton, MD Maurice, Katherine, Shary and Tony

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The first time I met Dr. Ford was @ A.M.E. Zion Church there in Maiden were my Dad is a member. She was very compassionate, loving and caring lady. The Maiden Community are going to truly miss her loving spirit. The Henry's seed our condolences. We are praying for family during these times.

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To Gary, Garette, and Reggie my love and prayers are sent to you during your loss. She was a beautiful lady.

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I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for the entire family. Hazelene was a Newbold High Shool Alumni of mine. I never will forget being in the Glee Club with her at Newbold. We had good times during those times. She will be sorely missed! Sarah Curry Johnson Newbold Class of 1965. Rest in your eternal home Hazel!

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I was honored to have attended Lincolnton High School with Hazelene and lucky to have had a class with her. She was a wonderful and very well-respected student. Had I known that she had been in administration at Lincoln County Schools, I would have visited her long ago, although I'm sure she would have forgotten me. I'll never forget her. Goodbye, sweet Hazelene. Tim Cherry

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Hazel was a loving and amazing sister who I love and will miss her, Elworth Hush, brother. Hazel was a loving and fun sister- in- law I will miss our telephone conversations which were always uplifting,Brenda Hicks-Hush. Sending our prayers to her family, church family and friends. We will miss you Hazel but what a joy to know you are in your heavenly home.

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I worked with Hazelene at Asbury Elementary at the beginning of my career. We always had a good time. In 1978 I was 81/2 months pregnant and Mr. Hovis ask if I could work one more week. I said yes. Everyone thought I was going to have the baby any time. Hazelene always backed her car right up to the sidewalk outside the Little building. It was the kind with a hatchback. She said oh don't worry! We'll just put you in the back of my car and take you to the hospital! Only Hazelene would have said that! My thoughts and prayers are with your family!

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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