Patsy Anne Luker was born on November 28, 1937 in Pell City, Alabama to Floy and Granville Luker. She was their first child followed shortly by twin brothers Johnny and Tommy. Patsy was a 1955 graduate of Pell City High School. She married Gene Ford of Ragland. They were parents to one girl, four boys, and made their home in Pell City’s Mill Village. While Gene worked at the cement plant, Patsy raised their children and many other children who came through her home. Be it her children’s friends or the children she looked after working in childcare, Patsy poured into the lives of Pell City’s little ones for decades.
Pasty possessed a servant’s heart, and lovingly cared for her disabled neighbors for over fifty years. She made sure people had rides to doctor’s appointments, picked countless sick children up from school, and fed too many animals and people to count. She enjoyed being a poll working during election season. Patsy was a proud Pell Citian, a bedrock of the Mill Village, an important resource to many families, and excellent friend.
Patsy was a good mother to her children. They were devoted to her and cared for her until her last day on earth. Her daughter and sons grew up to contribute meaningfully to their communities, made good careers for themselves, and are wonderful parents to their own children. In 1977, Patsy welcomed her first grandchild and would welcome ten more over the years. “Mawmaw” was her favorite name and role. She adored the children of her children. Her grandchildren brought out the very best in her. She was not just their Mawmaw, she was an institution. Patsy spoiled them, cheered for them, comforted them, corrected them, played a huge role in their raising, and would tell anyone who asked how wonderful and perfect all of them were. She heavily influenced their lives, and many of her grands attribute who they are today to Mawmaw. She would tell you she raised strong, smart, and successful children and grandchildren. If you knew her well, she probably already told you.
Patsy was sharp witted, funny, and opinionated. She was a peace maker, lover of old country songs, Murder She Wrote, and anything with starring Andy Griffin. She was passionate about Jesus, reading, sparkly fake jewelry, and the color purple. Her favorite pastimes were traveling with her friend group “The Golden Girls”, bragging on her family, going to church at Arbor Baptist, and getting her hair done. After 1995, Patsy probably never thought anything she didn’t say out loud. For this, she was loved even more.
Pasty was proceeded in death by her parents Granville and Floy Luker, brother Tommy Luker, husband Gene Ford, and son Michael Ford. She is survived by her daughter Pamela Ford Smith, sons Bob (Chop) Ford, Billy Ford, and Jerry Ford and her brother Johnny Luker. Grandchildren Carrie Turner Leland, Dustin Turner, Luke Ford, Jake Ford, Cody Ford, Mariah Ford, Regan Ford Latham, Billy Ford, Jennifer Ford, Joshua Ford, and Amanda Ramsey. She is also survived by numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Visitation for Patsy will be held Friday, February 4, 2022 from 10-11 a.m. at Kilgroe Funeral Home with services to follow.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5