Kathryn Huggins Ford

Kathryn Huggins Ford passed peacefully on March 20, 2024, in the arms of her husband of 57 years surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. Kathryn was born March 2, 1946, in Whiteville, NC to the late, Esther and William Sheldon Huggins who predeceased her.

Kathryn attended Whiteville High School where she was head cheerleader and held other leadership positions. In 1964, Kathryn enrolled at Greensboro College where she made many lifelong friends. In 1966, she met her future husband Donald B. Ford on a blind date. They were married January 27, 1967, spending 57 wonderful years together. Kathryn graduated from Campbell University in 1969 and began her teaching career, teaching French and Spanish in High School for over 30 years. Kathryn and Don were fortunate to have two wonderful children, Donald Bruce Ford, Jr., and Dr. Caroline Ford Wilson. They were also blessed with four wonderful grandchildren.

Kathryn loved to travel. Many summers she would take a small group of High School students to various countries in Europe. Since she spoke French, Spanish and Italian, she was a natural to lead groups around Europe. After she retired from teaching, she began taking groups of adults to Europe as well. She loved the water and spent many happy days at the Ford family beach house at Wrightsville Beach and our house at Oriental, NC.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, Donald Bruce Ford, Sr., two children Donald Bruce Ford, Jr. (Amy Lackey), and Dr. Caroline Ford Wilson (Dr. Henry Wilson) and four grandchildren Dr. Hunter Ford, Maggie Ford, Lucy Dickinson, and Eva Kathryn Wilson.

The family consisting of Kathryn and Don’s children and grandchildren will have a private burial service and ask that everyone honor their grief by respecting their privacy during this difficult time. A celebration of Kathryn’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Kathryn’s life may consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of one’s choice.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal”.

Service arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.