Cecil Simpson Ford, age 83, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Yalobusha General Hospital in Water Valley, MS with her family by her side. Cecil Ann Simpson Ford, a native of Memphis, TN, moved to Water Valley with her husband, Melvin Ford, in 1963. She was a graduate of Central High School and the University of Memphis with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree.
She was employed by the Water Valley School System as a teacher for 25 years. Prior to that she taught in the Memphis and Dallas, TX school systems for 10 years.
Mrs. Ford was an active member of the First United Methodist church and served in many capacities. She was also involved in community affairs. She was past president of the Town and Country Garden Club; a former member of the Economic Development Board and the Library Board; an active member of the Water Valley Arts Council, a life member of the Junior Auxiliary, and a charter member of the Water Valley Ambassadors.
Mrs. Ford was an avid reader. She also had a passion for travel that included the world. She spent many happy moments visiting different historic and cultural sites on most of the continents.
Services are planned for Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 3 pm at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley with Rev. Allen McGraw and Rev. Don Lewis officiating. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2:45 prior to service time. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery at Oakland, MS with Patton Ford, Scott Young, Steele Ford, Lee Ford, Ben Ford, Ray Young, Robby Parsons, and Chris Ross serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Johnson, Steve Ford, Bill Larson, Binnie Turnage, Benny Cole Taylor, Gene Simpson, Baxter Jones, Eddie Magee, John Ingram, John Kyle, Bill Taylor, and Charles Thomas.
She is survived by her husband, Melvin Ford of Water Valley, MS; a daughter, Margie Ford of Memphis, TN; and a granddaughter, Hannah E. Cook of Memphis, TN.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Robert and Elizabeth Simpson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 288, Water Valley, MS 38965.