Shirley Preston Ford

Shirley Preston (Benson) Ford was born June 20, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Frank Pierce Benson, Jr. and Gertrude (Preston) Benson. She graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia. Later in life she would attend Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan.

On December 15, 1951 Shirley married her "boy next door", Edward Joseph Ford. They immediately moved to Great Britain where Ed served in the Air Force during the Korean War. After completing their tour of duty, they returned to the U.S. and settled down in Fox Chase, PA. In 1957 they moved to Independence, MO where Shirley's Parents had moved, and where they had dated prior to becoming married.

Shirley was a devoted wife and mother, and did an outstanding job of managing the Ford household. Those management skills came in handy as Shirley transitioned into becoming an extremely successful real estate agent after their children were grown. She ultimately became the Manager of the Real Estate One office in Plymouth, Michigan. During her real estate career she won numerous sales awards, and earned all-expenses-paid trips to numerous destinations around the world with her husband Ed alongside.

Ultimately Shirley and Ed fully retired and relocated to a lake home at Canadian Lakes in Mecosta County, MI. After several years of lakeside living and traveling, they "downsized" and moved to Milford, MI to be closer to family.

Shirley was a committed Christian, and served in various roles in her church and the community. She loved music, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and her beloved husband Ed.

Shirley is survived by her son, Edward (Andrea) Ford of Bloomfield Hills, MI, daughter Sharon (Scott) Smith of Novi, MI, and son Dr. Stephen (Carla) Ford of Colorado Springs, CO. As well as her grandchildren, Stacey (Matthew) St. Charles, Karrie (Mitch) Maier, Bryan (Christine) Smith, Scott (Rochelle) Smith, Edward Ford III, Madison Ford, Natalie Ford, Jake Ford, Tess Ford, and Katie Ford. Shirley is also is survived by nine great-grandchildren.

PRIVATE - Visitation will be held Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 5:00pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 6:00pm at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Road, Highland. Pastor Brian Tweedie to officiate.