Shirley Ford

Shirley Vanessal Ford was born on March 31, 1952, to the late Franklin Rivers, Sr. and Geraldine Parks in Pine Bluff, AR. She grew up in White Hall, AR, and received her formal education in the White Hall Independent School District (ISD). She also attended Cosmetology School in Pine Bluff.

Shirley accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age while a member of Wesley Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir. On March 31, 1972, she married Johnny Ford, Jr. Shortly after that, he joined the U.S. Army, and five children were born to this union. They were married for just over 52 years.

Shirley was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star (OES), a fraternal organization. She served as an Officer Secretary while they were stationed in Germany.

Over the years, Shirley's employment opportunities spanned from working for Southern Folder to later working in dining facilities and operating a home daycare business during their time in the military, to most recently working in retail.

Shirley was a woman of remarkable beauty, both inside and out. Her vibrant personality and charm endeared her to all who knew her. She was a friend to many, always ready to lend a helping hand. Her hobbies, such as making ceramic pottery, sewing, and shopping, were a testament to her creativity. However, her true passion was caring for her family, a role she embraced with love and dedication. Shirley was a beacon of wisdom, always ready to share her insights and counsel with her family.

On July 5, 2024, Shirley transitioned from earth to eternity, as she was called home to be with her Heavenly Father. Shirley was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Hattie Jeanette; her parents, Franklin Rivers, Sr, and Geraldine Parks; sisters, Vivian Walker and Linda Frazier.

She leaves to cherish her memories spouse, Johnny Ford, Jr. of Smackover, AR; sons, Rev. Johnny (Marjorie) Ford, III of (Arlington, TX) and Franklin Ford of Louann, AR; daughters, Yolanda Ford of Smackover, AR and Shalanda Ford-Johnson of Sherwood, AR; mother-in-law, Hattie B. Ford of Smackover, AR; bonus mother, Pearline Rivers of Pine Bluff, AR; sisters, Kathleen Mitchell, Katherine Guynn, Zenola Wilson, Cynthia (Rev. Pete) Davis, Shirley Wesley, all of Pine Bluff, AR; Yvette Hammond of White Hall, AR; Yvonne Neal of Hot Springs, AR; Dr. Sharon (Lawrence) Johnson-Perkins of Arlington, TX, and Sylvia Rivers of Milwaukee, WI; brothers, Aaron (Cordillia) Rivers of Pine Bluff, AR, Franklin Rivers, Jr., Timothy (Terri) Rivers of San Antonio, TX, Anthony Davis and Lue Etherly of Pine Bluff, AR; grandchildren Kylaus, Malik, Katana, LaVontrae, Kobe,Treavon , and January, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.