Winters Funeral Home | Kosciusko, MS

Obituary For Mary Van Ford

Mary Van Ford was born on January 30, 1924, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. She was the only child born to Will Lawrence Lovelady and Ruby Manetta (Clark) Lovelady and the eldest of siblings Manetta Smith and Charles Frank Smith.

After graduating from the Attala County Training School, Mary Van moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, and there, in 1948, married Willie Gordon Ford. To that union was born one child, Trenace Ford. Although their marriage ended in divorce, they enjoyed a cordial relationship throughout their lifetimes.

Most of Mary Van's career was spent as a department store salesclerk and window display designer. The Lerner's Shop in downtown in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, often featured her window display work. In 1967, when she returned to Kosciusko to care for her mother and stepfather, John Henry Smith, Mary Van found employment as a salesclerk at Shainberg's department store and later at Leonard's department store. Although her love of fashion was undeniable, she loved flowers and antiques even more. She was a member of the Mid-Mississippi Arts Council and volunteered at the Back Pew Gifts and Antiques shop.

Mary Van Loved her Kosciusko community and especially her Wesley United Methodist Church community. It was at Wesley that she discovered her love of teaching. She was devoted to her adult Sunday school class and spent hours of preparing each lesson.

Although she lived in several other cities, her heart was always in Kosciusko and the home she lived in for many years. She was able to remain in Kosciusko until 2015 when it became necessary for her to be near her daughter in Oak Park, Illinois. In 2020, declining health necessitated Mary Van's move to Bethesda Rehab and Senior Care in Chicago, Illinois, where she passed away.

Mary Van was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Frank, and sister-in-law, Chessie Peeler Smith Glass. She is survived by her sister, Manetta (Davis) Guyton; daughter: Trenace Ford ( Marsha Borders); neohews: Ray Kenneth (Janice) Smith, Jon C. (Rhonda) Guyton, and Glen A. (Cyndi) Gutyton; niece Charlotte Smith (Dwght) Jackson; and many grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

PLACE OF GRAVESIDE: Kosciusko City Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

TIME OF GRAVESIDE: Saturday 1/16/2021 at 11:00 A.M.

INTERMENT: Kosciusko City Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

VIEWING: Friday 1/15/2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Guest Book

Today is 7.18.21 and I am just learning of my dear friends passing. Mary Van and I spent many years and time together as I was a young teenager and into adulthood. I mostly enjoyed her brilliance and being like an older sister to me. I will miss her and happy that we shared our lives together. Trenace, please call me at 510.243.5475. I will be 89 on Aug 23rd God willing.

- na

The family of the late Mary Van Ford wishes to express their deep appreciation and sincere thanks for your comforting words and genuine acts of kindness in our time of sadness. ~The Family~

-

Prayers to the family of Mrs. Mary Van. I was blessed to know and enjoy her presence as one of the many elders who helped shape my life growing up in our little town of Kosciusko. I will always remember her gentle smile and caring nature. May she rest in the peace of God's Kingdom. Janice Burt Smith (one of "the twins")

- na

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

- Winters Funeral Home | Kosciusko, MS