She was born in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Vernon Arnett and Doris Sullivan Arnett, and spent her entire lifetime in Jacksonville. Growing up in the Fairfield neighborhood with her childhood sweetheart whom she later married, she and her husband, Harold, always had plenty of stories and memories about their early years on Parker Street.
Her survivors include her husband of 53 years, W. Harold Ford, Jr, her son Charles Ford (Linda), her daughters, Torrey Ford and Melissa Ford, as well as her sister, Bonnie Duncan (Steve), a nephew and several nieces.
Reesa graduated from Bishop Kenny High School in 1965 and a few years later, from Jacksonville University School of Nursing. In later years, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education & Development from Southern Illinois and her Masters Degree in Nursing from University of Phoenix.
In 1970, upon graduation from nursing school, she began her 43+ year career at St. Luke’s Hospital, on 8th Street in Jacksonville, working primarily in the Critical Care Unit as a Registered Nurse. St. Luke’s moved its location to Belfort Road and following that she moved into the management/administration area, eventually becoming the Director of Training & Education for St Luke’s. Shortly thereafter, Mayo Clinic came to Jacksonville and bought St. Luke’s Hospital, which resulted in her position growing to include both St. Luke’s Hospital and the Mayo Clinic campus here in Jacksonville. As time marched on and Mayo Clinic grew in scope and size, Reesa’s responsibilities did the same. In 2011, Reesa was promoted to Manager, Office of Leadership & Organizational Development, Employee Learning & Development, Center of Excellence. During these working years she served on the Dean’s Council for Continuing Education at the University of North Florida and the Nursing Advisory Committee at Florida Community College of Jacksonville, and she was a member of several professional affiliations.
Reesa retired in 2013 from Mayo Clinic completing over 43 years of employment. She enjoyed every minute and always had a sense of pride regarding her nursing background. In retirement, Reesa enjoyed traveling, watching Gator football, attending Book Club, and volunteering, both at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and at Hickory Creek Elementary, where her daughter worked.
Reesa’s family, friends, and devout faith were always close to her heart each and every day of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations be made to The St. Josephs Catholic Church Capital Campaign Fund.
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