With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of LaRandall Jean Ford, also known as Dutchess, a vibrant spirit whose laughter and love will resonate in our memories forever. Born on February 9, 1956, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the union of Randolph Williams and Catherine Woodley-Williams, LaRandall’s journey came to a transition at the Mercy Health Boardman campus on May 2, 2025, after a life marked by warmth, resilience, and unapologetic zest for life.

A proud graduate of Shaw High School in Cleveland, LaRandall embraced and reveled in the role of not working outside of the home. LaRandall was not just a housewife; she was the heart of her home—a problem solver with a loving, sassy soul who wore her confidence like a favorite accessory.

On June 18, 1988, she married her beloved husband, Eugene R. Ford, embarking on a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Together, they created a family that became the centerpiece of her life.

LaRandall’s passions included bingo games daily, which she jokingly referred to as her “job”, engaging in retail therapy to acquire the latest coordinated fashions ensembles, and proudly cheering for her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, all while maintaining her cherished collection of elephants—each symbolizing her good luck charm and a story of her spirited nature. She found joy in her frequent and spontaneous excursions, especially to the Mountaineer Casino, where every visit was laden with anticipation and thrill.

LaRandall’s loving heart and candid humor will forever remain a guiding light. Her spirit, marked by the ability to speak her mind yet showering love and wisdom on those around her, left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

LaRandall leaves behind a family who adored her: her husband Eugene, beloved sons Robert L. Frazier and Randall E. (Bianca) Ford) Sr., and cherished grandchildren Kyland Pankey, Randall Ford Jr., Laniya Ford, and Jamiah Ford. She is also survived by her siblings: Rachelle Shelton, Randolph Williams Jr., Linda Thomas, Randine (Anthony)Perry, and Genice Fountain, each of whom cherished their sister's vibrant spirit.

LaRandall leaves behind an extended family who will carry her spirit in every laugh and tear. Fond memories and precious moments are retained by her best friends Lynette Tomlin and Emily Pritchard, along with an expansive host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

As LaRandall crossed the celestial sands into eternity, she was reunited in Paradise with her parents, stepfather Tommy Johnson, grandparents William & Eva (Brown) Williams, brother Charles Freeman and brother in love John Shelton.

Services celebrating LaRandall’s life will be held on Thursday May 15, 2025, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown, OH. Members of the community are invited to pay their respects with a public viewing at 10:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM with Rev Lewis W. Macklin II presiding. In memory of LaRandall, let us honor her legacy by embracing joy, spontaneity, and love—living life boldly, just as she did.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of LaRandall Jean Ford elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

BINGO!!!
My mum’s playing Bingo in heaven
With a happy smile on her face
If she’d known there was a Bingo Hall in heaven
She’d have looked more forward to the place!
Past 78 and heaven’s gate
It’s 83 and time for tea
With 61 and a baker’s bun
And no queue for the lavatory!
After 41 and time for fun,
She’s won with 54 and wiped the floor
I really do thank my lucky stars
My mum landed in heaven instead of on Mars!