Barbara Jean Miller Ford, age 79, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2016 at her home in Lebanon, Ohio. Barbara was born on March 6, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was the only child of Robert Wilson and Edna Mae Johnson. She married William Ford on August 9, 1956. To this union, two children were born, William and Wanda. Being the wife of a minister, Barbara was a superb hostess and homemaker. There was always a warm and hearty meal waiting at the Ford house. Barbara provided a high quality home daycare to young children in a safe and nurturing environment. Parents had peace of mind that came from knowing their children were well cared for. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, Barbara’s compassionate demeanor made her a natural. She was good-natured, dependable, and had great empathy for the pain and suffering of others. She was devoted to providing comfort to any she found in need. Barbara provided homemaker services to elderly persons who were physically and/or mentally challenged. She cooked, cleaned and gave personal care to seniors allowing them to remain in their own homes, often preventing institutionalization. Barbara’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was their enthusiastic supporter. Barbara enjoyed watching mystery movies. She was convinced that no matter how old the movie was, the actors continued on indefinitely. She was also an avid dog lover. Barbara’s parents, Ada Wilson (paternal grandmother) and Reverend Ford preceded her in death. Barbara is survived by two sons, Samuel Nathaniel (Carmen) Johnson of Tampa, Florida and William Henry(Scott Clemons) Ford, Sr. of Lebanon, Ohio, one daughter, Wanda Louise Ford (Anthony) Thomas, of Herndon, VA; five grandsons, Richard, William,Jr., Marqus, Garrett and Brian ; four granddaughters, Sanatera, Antonia, Rachel, and Elaine, and twenty great-grandchildren. She is further survived by dear friend, Fran Hawkins of Lebanon, Ohio and a very special recognition to her life-long closest friend, Barbara (Fred) Lusk, of Belleville, Illinois.A warm gratitude is given to the staff of the Otterbein Hospice Care in Lebanon, Ohio for the special care given to Barbara during her last months. A Life Celebration for Barbara will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, 111 N. Cherry Street, Lebanon, OH with Reverend Karen Schaeffer officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.
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