Mrs. Annie Marie Ford of Worcester passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 in her home surrounded by her cherished family.
Mrs. Ford leaves to mourn her passing, her loving husband of 29 years, Paul Ford; her devoted children, Dorian Gray Ross and his life partner Wyatt of New Jersey, Jacqueline Harris and her husband Delroy of Worcester, Maria Antoinette Cross and her husband Don of Colorado. She was especially proud of her adored and accomplished grandchildren, Letisha, Latricia, and Jessenia Harris, Marcus and Taylor Cross. She is further survived by her beloved sisters, Bernice Jackson-Wilson in Illinois and Alma Jean Sheckles in Nevada; her surrogate sister, Daisy Blanche Walker in Illinois and a host of wonderful in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and treasured friends. Annie was pre-deceased by her adored son, Adolphus C. Ross, Jr. in 1987.
Born in Helena, AK, Annie and her family moved to Chicago, she graduated from Du Sable High School, and furthered her education at the Chicago Teachers College. She sang in Jazz/Gospel icon, Thomas E. Dorsey’s Gospel Chorus and later sang on radio broadcasts of her famous brother, the late Honorable Rev. Dr. Elias J. Jones. Annie married Rev. Adolphus C. Ross, Sr. and together they had four children. In 1982, Annie married Paul Ford of Worcester. During her working years, Annie proudly worked for the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) Care Network Hospice for 25+ years and retired.
Annie instilled in her children the undying faith in God she practiced herself. Her great Pride and Legacy centers on them, and their progeny.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Wednesday, May 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. in the John Street Baptist Church, John Street Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester Memorial Park in Paxton. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the Cyberknife Facility, care of St Vincent Hospital, 10 Summer St., Worcester. The Family wishes to express special gratitude to the Worcester VNA Care Network and Hospice for their unstinting support and extraordinary care provided to our Mom.