Carter Funeral Home respectfully announces the restful transition of Mrs. Mary Lee Ford of Union Springs, AL.

Mrs. Ford affectionately known and loved as “Baby Sister” or “Sister”, transitioned into eternity October 24, 2023 while under the watchful management of her healthcare team at the Southern Springs Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 88

The Commemoration of Life will begin with a public visitation on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Carter Funeral Home.

The Farewell Celebration will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 12 noon from the sanctuary of the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church of the Aberfoil Community, Union Springs, AL. Rev. Hawthorne Reed, Pastor.

The Home Going message of comfort and acceptance will be provided by Elder Ulysses Woodyard, Pastor of the Ambassadors for Christ Church of Christ Holiness, of Union Springs, Alabama.

Interment will follow in the New Union Grove Baptist Cemetery, of the Blues Old Stand Community.

Respecting current COVID sensitive precautions, all attendees are requested to practice social distancing and implement the responsible use of facial coverings.

Mary Lee Ford affectionately known as “Baby Sister” and “Sister” was the third child born in Union Springs Alabama to the late T.L. and Ida Mae Peebles. She was born a humble child; studious, hardworking, and respectful. Mary Lee joined Elizabeth Baptist Church at an early age. She was born-again in 1982 while a member of Solomon Temple Apostolic Ministry under the leadership of the late Bishop William L. Bonner in Detroit Michigan. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and sang His praises until her final days.

Mary Lee attended the Aberfoil School until the 10th Grade when you left because of family demands. In 1955 Mary Lee met and married Eddie Henry Ford. To this union two children were born with a third pregnancy resulting in a still-birth (Alexander). The couple first moved to the Florida Panhandle and later to Michigan. After moving to Detroit, she began a career in the healthcare industry; first working at Detroit Memorial Hospital and later working at Wiltshire Nursing Home which became Renaissance. She remained with the later until it closed. Although she had no formal training, her nursing skills enviable. She was often called upon by doctors and nurses to assist in patient treatments.

In 1983, always the willing helper, Momma Ford moved to Cleveland, Ohio to help her daughter and son-in-law with their young children. While in Cleveland, she joined Apostolic Faith Tabernacle under the leadership of Elder Gary Washington. She became an active member serving on the nursing guild. She would care for the Pastor’s boys when Elder and Sister Washington traveled. Sister Ford established many close relations at Apostolic Faith, including Bernadette Thomas, Carolyn Sullivan, and the late Dorothy Brown and Mary Woodruff.

Once again, duty called and Mom returned to Union Springs, Alabama to assist with the care of her mother. In 1991 she became a resident of Conecuh Bluff Apartments. She would remain a resident of Conecuh Bluff until her departure from earth to heaven. Upon returning to Union Springs, she became a member of Ambassadors for Christ under the leadership of Elder Charles Dixon. She taught Sunday School and participated in various ministries, including her much beloved outreach ministry that she shared with Deacon Willie James Avery. Mother Ford remained a faithful steward of her gifts and talents until illness prohibited her from serving.

Mom loved her family and loved helping others. She often opened her heart and home to those in need of a place to stay. Her home was a waystation for the young men who were friend and family were at a crossroad. She was the consummate manager of her finances. Although she often earned minimum wages, she was selfless and benevolent. She never complained.

In the early hours of Tuesday, October 24, 2023, Mother, Sister, friend, faith servant, fearless warrior, Mary Lee Peebles Ford, caught the morning train to her heavenly home.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to provide End of Life Services for the late Sister Mary Lee Ford.