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Obituary For Deacon Odell V Ford
Odell V. Ford, Sr., affectionately known as “Son” or Mr. OD, proudly carried the most respected and honorable title of Deacon Ford, also lovingly called “Dec.”
Odell V. Ford, Sr. was born on January 24, 1930, in Grandin, Florida, to the late Curley Ford, Sr., and Essie Iola Smith Ford. He was the eldest of nine siblings and was educated in the Putnam County Schools in Palatka, Florida. Odell also served in the United States Armed Forces during the Korean War as an artilleryman. In addition to his military service, Odell worked in several capacities throughout his life, including as an over-the-road truck driver, a farmer, and a bouncer. He was one of the pillars of the Holy Temple of God Church in East Palatka, serving as head deacon under the pastorship of the late Mamie L. Bryant, Bishop Walter Camps, Sr., and Bishop Willie Ross, Sr.
Odell Ford was highly respected in the community and always willing to provide his time and talents. He was also a member of the Palatka American Legion and served as Grand Marshal in the Palatka Parade on May 31, 2001.
Odell V. Ford, Sr. was preceded in eternal rest by his wife, Elouise L. Ford, on May 1, 2025, and his siblings, Curley Ford, Jr., Bertha Norwood, Dorothy Robinson, Virginia Moore, Edward Ford, Rosa Lee Jenkins, Emma Ford, and Harvey Ford.
Deacon Odell V. Ford, Sr. leaves to cherish his precious memories, his daughters, Telisa A. Marshall and Desaree Ford, sons, Verna L. Ford (Arletha), Odell V. Ford Jr., (Cassandra), Robert P. Holmes (Catrice), bonus children, Roxie Holmes, Sandra Tillery, Sharon Gist, and Carol Simon, grandchildren, Tenisa (Anthony) Roach, Adelle L. Ford, Odell V. Ford III, Lindsey Marshall, Hezekia Gilyard, Robin Holmes, Bethany Holmes, Andrea Campbell (Curtis), Andre Griffin (Cierra), Tyrone Williams, Michael Brooks Jr., Bethany Holmes, and Dwight “D.J.” Johnson III; great grandchildren, Kian Houston, Cedric James, Christina Campbell, and Chanell Campbell; like a daughter, Wanda F. Jelks and Sophie Brooks - Ford; like a son, Alfonso Major, Deacon Clarence Givens, Sr., and Michael Brooks, Sr.; spiritual children, Elder George Wiley IV(Ericka), and Bishop Willie (Lady P.J.) Ross; Godchildren, Valerie Bennette, Anita Maxwell, Josette Esau, and Emma L. Sharp; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation
Friday, September 19, 2025, 5-6p.m., at Holy Temple of God the House the Lord Built
Celebration of life
Saturday, September 20, 2025, |11am @House of God Church, Palatka
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceSuch a great Loss. I will forever remember your time and patience. I was your"chick-a-Dee" who you taught me, between services in Keystone, how to tell time. As a young girl, that had stuck with me along with other great memories. Being apart of the gospel group "The Young Dedications" if you were in charge of the service we were sure to be called on to sing and that speaks volumes! May you rest in Peace💙
To the Ford Family: We know that Jesus will comfort you in your time of loss. May you find the strength to carrry on . We send our Love and prayers to you .
"Dear Des,
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time. Losing a parent is never easy, and it's even more poignant given the recent loss of your mom. Please know that you're not alone in your grief, and I'm here for you.
May the cherished memories of your parents bring you comfort and peace. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you and the happy times you shared with them.
With deepest sympathy and love, Calvester Herlong"
Dear Family, Our hearts are heavy in the loss of our beloved Deacon Ford!! We are praying for your continued strength and peace. From the Wileys and Mother Mitchell
A dear cousin I am sadden by your death..your showed love to to your family of cousins in Putnam Hall and Gainesville..we shall never 😉 forget that..the Hayes,Marshalls.,Middleton and other Fords..thank you for your family support of just showing up. Your family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
