Sarojini Ford

1924-2021

A Lady for All Seasons

Sarojini (Saroj) Janki Ford was born on September 21, 1924, and departed this world on November 11, 2021.

Born in Georgetown, Guyana she was the youngest daughter of Thomas and Beatrice Janki. She was preceded in death by siblings Helena, Robert Indrasen, Edna, Navina Chandra, Chandroutie, and Nag Indra. She graduated from Bishops High School. She also worked for the Ministry of Education leaving, as was the custom at that time, upon her marriage. As a young girl, she enjoyed being a part of the British Guiana Dramatic Society and attending cultural events and dances sponsored by the Maha Sabah and Balak Sahaita Mandalee. She also enjoyed the dances at the Georgetown Club Assembly Rooms. And she loved to play the piano!

She was married to John Meredith Ford who preceded her in death on November 18, 1995. John’s career in Guyana evolved as a businessman, civic leader, political figure, head of Governmental Ministries, and serial entrepreneur. Saroj was always by his side - the ultimate partner. She managed many of the entrepreneurial activities and in Maryland, started her own childcare business. Of all the many roles she played in support of John, perhaps the one she loved the most was that of Lady Mayoress of Georgetown. Her many duties included ribbon cuttings for new developments, speeches, and several other ceremonial responsibilities. She and John represented Georgetown in several twin city exchanges in capitals around the world. (Later, she visited her ancestral home of India.)

Saroj was born into a family of indentured Indians who joined the Canadian Mission Presbyterian Church. Her father, Thomas Janki was the first ordained elder for the county of Demerara in 1932. She maintained a lifelong affiliation with the Presbyterian Church in Guyana and later in Maryland where she lived for almost four decades. In Guyana, like her family, she was a member of Burns Memorial Presbyterian Church. She and John grew many successful fundraising events including the annual Church Fair. Throughout her life, she held onto the deep Christian principles and teachings of her family and Church. Her scriptural quotes and beautiful prayers will always be remembered.

Saroj was the consummate hostess, known for her generous hospitality, often opening her home to family and friends from far and wide. Nothing made her happier than celebrating both the big and little things in life. Saroj had a flair for fashion and kept up with the latest styles much to the enjoyment of her five granddaughters who credit her with their sense of style. She loved a good joke and had an incredible sense of humor including her own unique witticisms often in the Guyanese vernacular. Central to Saroj’s persona was her love of people, especially her family and friends across the continents. She kept in touch with each and everyone frequently and had a special bond with her beloved sister-in-law, Joyce Ford.

Saroj was the mother of four devoted children: Joy "Pam" Ford Austin, (Bobby), John Deep Ford (Kathy), Holly Ford Lewis (Mark), and Sharada Ford Centeio (Jose).

She was the grandmother to 10 adoring grandchildren, Sushama (Rob), Julian (Bella), Leah (Kyle), Ariana (Joel), Jared (Kate), Karly (Tico), Ravi Dadlani (Irna), Priya Dadlani, John Chandan, and Adam.

She was the great grandmother to Lekh, Rowan, Sasha, Blake, Maya, Robyn, Orlando, and Dario.

For all of us who knew and loved her, this will be her brilliant legacy- her deep faith, her joie de vivre, her magnificent style, and her love of celebration.

Saroj’s personal life mantra: Not more than others I deserve, But God has given me more, The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places, Yea I have a goodly inheritance (Adapted from the hymn “Whene’er I take my walks abroad” and Psalm 16:6).1

"A Service of Witness to the Resurrection of Sarojini Ford will be held at 10.00 am on Saturday, January 15 at the Northwood Presbyterian Church, 1200 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD, 20902. The link to join the service online is: http//bit.ly/NorthwoodLive

In Memory of Sarojini Ford please consider making a donation by mail to Northwood Presbyterian Church at the address above or by PayPal: paypal.me/NorthwoodPC"

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leememorialparkfuneralhome.com for the Ford family.