Mother Elouise L. Ford, affectionately known as “Nurse Ford,” peacefully transitioned at the age of 87. She was born on May 7, 1937, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Richard L. Luster and Essie Mae Washington.
A devoted servant to both her family and her community, Mother Ford lived a life of purpose, love, and generosity. She faithfully served as the armor bearer to the late Pastor Mammie Taylor Bryant and was known for her unwavering commitment to ministry. She led with compassion as the president of the Monday Night Prayer Band and the Nursing Home Outreach Ministry, continually uplifting others with her prayers and presence.
Mother Ford was an exceptional cook whose culinary skills were widely celebrated. Whether for family gatherings or community events, she was always called upon to share her gift in the kitchen. She brought joy not only through her food but through her warm spirit and infectious laughter. She enjoyed watching comedy shows, westerns, and cooking programs in her leisure time.
Her career was a testament to her tireless work ethic and love for people. She worked at Lakeview Nursing Home in Crescent City, Pic and Save, Kim’s Beauty Supply, Ms. Nita Keenon Retirement Home, and served as a driver for RCMA Child Development Center. She also worked as a cook at Club Remy and was a beloved DJ for the WIYD Gospel Morning Show. Through each role, she touched countless lives.
Over the years, Mother Ford made her home in Jacksonville, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and ultimately East Palatka, Florida. She was a cherished mentor to many, men, women, and children offering wisdom, guidance, and love to all who came into her life.
Mother Elouise L. Ford’s legacy is one of service, strength, and selfless devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in eternal rest by: uncles, Fred (Janie) Burke, Sr., and Authur Moore; loving son-in-law, Hank Marshall; cousins, Fred Burke Jr., Robert L. Burke, Everlena King, Marthenia Newell, and Peggy Jean Ramsey.
Mother Elouise Ford leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Odell V. Ford, Sr., daughters, Telisa A. Marshall, and Desaree Ford; sons, Verna L. (Arletha) Ford, Odell V. (Cassandra) Ford Jr., and Robert P. (Catrece) Holmes; grandchildren, Tenisa (Anthony) Roach, Adelle L. Ford, Odell V. Ford III, Lindsey Marshall, Hezekia Gilyard, Robin Holmes, Bethany Holmes, Andrea (Curtis) Campbell, Andre Griffin, 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 (Ericka) Wiley IV, 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.
The Ford Family will receive friends and community on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at Holy Temple of God the House the Lord Built (129 Big Apple Rd. East Palatka, FL) Prophetess Rebecca Boykin, pastor. The Homegoing Legacy Celebration will be 12:00p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church Central Campus, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Senior pastor. Mother Ford final resting place will take place in Oak Hill – West Cemetery.
To the family I am sorry for the loss of your love one Mother Ford. Marsha and family.
I extend my heartfelt regards and deepest condolences to the Ford family. You are in my prayers.
My condolences to my cousin in law, Elouise Ford, I liked talking to her.
Marvella Hayes Cliffin
A dear family member she was. Willing to meet you there to be with the family. She did not mind inviting the family on special occasions to her church. She appeared very friendly on every visit as we talked about family reunion time. on behalf of the families in Putnam Hall (the Hayes and the Gainesville families the Marshalls) WE ARE SADDENED FOR YOUR LOST. ehw
Thank you for having been an inspiration and mentor to the family. 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Rest in Peace cousin Elouise.
COUSIN ELOUISE, I know I can't see you anymore; but I FELT Your Love when I last spoke to you just weeks ago. I am Saddened that I will not be able to see you again in this life; but to other Family & Friends of Eloise, I hope you are comforted knowing she was SO HAPPY when I spoke to her weeks ago, as if she was on the verge of something VERY JOYOUS & was SO HAPPY. Elouise was Beloved by my Parents & Siblings. Unfortunately miles can make it difficult to visit but still as in Corinthians in the Bible; LOVE IS KIND & PATIENT & LOVE ALWAYS ENDURES so I believe no matter the Sadness of the end in this life; it is not the END but the BEGINNING, and WE will see ELOUISE again ETERNALLY in HEAVEN. Cousin, Freddie Mae in California
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel in the transitioning of our beloved Nurse Ford!!! We know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. She will be forever missed!! Love and prayers for this dear family!!! The Wileys and Mother Mitchell
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