Missionary Virginia Ford

born to Robert and Janet Wilkes. The Wilkes family moved to Wharton, Texas when she was seven

years old and they would soon become members of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church, under

the leadership of Rev. J.J. Dickerson. It was here, that Virginia believed the gospel and accepted Jesus

Christ as her personal Lord and Savior.

Virginia Wilkes completed Wharton Training High School and moved to Houston, Texas where she

met and fell in love with Alfred C. Ford from Yoakum, Texas. They were married on August 28, 1960,

and to this union five children were born. They raised their children in the fear and admonition of the

Lord. Virginia Ford’s “pride and joy” were her children, and she was known for putting her family’s

needs above her own. She supported and encouraged them as they excelled in their careers but

taught them by word and deed the importance of putting God first.

In 1969, Alfred and Virginia Ford joined Greater Emanuel Church of God in Christ where they served

under the pastorage of Supt. Bennie E.Allen. God would call both of them into ministry and Elder Ford

was ordained while Missionary Ford was licensed as an evangelist missionary.

Along with her husband, Missionary Ford worked tirelessly both inside and outside the home. She

would eventually become a licensed realtor. However, her love for her family caused her to give

unselfishly of herself when needed. She provided support for her daughter Christene during her

health battles and attended to her until her death. Later when Missionary Ford’s mother’s health

began to deteriorate, she lovingly and patiently cared for her until God called her home.

In September of 1994, God called Elder Alfred Ford to pastor and with Missionary Ford at his side,

they founded the True Light Church of God in Christ, becoming members of Texas Southeast Third

Jurisdiction under Bishop C. L. Bryant. Missionary Ford became First Lady as well as the District

Missionary to the Houston Central District. In 2010 Pastor Ford was elevated to the position of

district superintendent and the district missionary baton was passed from Missionary Virginia Ford

to Missionary Florida Miller.

Although no longer serving in the role of District Missionary, Missionary Ford did not consider herself

to be retired from the “army of the Lord”. She continued to serve faithfully within the church,

district, and jurisdiction. She was an unwavering “help meet” for her husband as he led True Light

higher in Christ. At her local church she served as the director of the women’s department and a

Sunday School teacher.

Within Texas Southeast Third Jurisdiction, with Bishop T.T. Terry as prelate and Mother Joyce

Washington as supervisor, Missionary Ford was a member of the Examining Board for Missionaries

and of the Women’s Advisory Board, contributing to the organizational success of the women’s

department. She continued to serve until her health began to fail. Although faced with many health

challenges and tribulations, Missionary Ford remained strong in the faith.

Missionary Virginia Ford is preceded in death by two daughters, Christene Ford Sampson and

Carolyn Elaine Ford. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 64 years, Supt. Alfred C.

Ford; one daughter, Charlene Janet Ford; two sons, Alan Wilkes Ford (Dawn) and Alfred Charles

Ford II (Temeka); one brother John Wilkes (Melda); two Sisters Altha Morris and Doris Turner

(George); numerous grandchildren, great-children, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends as

well as her beloved True Light church family