Mrs. Ida Mae Norris Ford's Obituary
Ida Mae Norris ford was born in Montgomery, AL to the late Marzine and Susie Norris, November 15, 1933. She was one of six children. She was raised in Snell, MS where she accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized into Salem Baptist Church. Sister Ford moved to Meridian, MS as a young adult and in 1961 united with First Union Missionary Baptist. She was preceded in death by a sister, Bettye Campbell and a brother, Roy Winston. Sister Ford often shared memories of events occurring at church with her family. She especially enjoyed “Friends and Family Days”, the recent “Ladies Night Out”, and the many events when she worked in the kitchen with church friends.
Sister Ford’s work career included her being employed at Rush Foundation Hospital, Darden’s Florist and Peavey’s Electron’s where she retired in 2003 as team leader after 30 years of dedicated service.
Sister Ford was active during the Civil Right’s Movement. She worked with the late Obie Clark, having her children among the first 9 students to integrate Kate Griffin Junior High School and later Meridian High School. She was one of the first black poll workers in Meridian. Sister Ford enjoyed cooking, shopping and gardening. Her passion was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “Precious”, since she introduced them all the “Klondike Bar” and “Mr. Rogers’ Ice Cream” in Meridian.
She leaves to cherish her memory: a daughter, Belynda Cole (Willie) of Rialto, CA; two sons- Billy Norris of Redlands, CA and Donald Ford of Rialto, CA; ten grandchildren: Tyra Sutton, Trinity Cole, Donavan Ford, Devyn Ford, Patrick Smith, Jermaine Pritchett, Ebony Norris, Winston Norris, Drake Norris and Deausha Norris; 13 great grandchildren; one sister, Earline Priester of Meridian, MS; three brothers- Lonnie Norris of Whynot, MS; Herman Norris of Meridian, MS and Larry Howdy (Angela) of Louisville, KY; a special cousin, Ollie Nelson of Meridian, Ms’ caring nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.
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