Betty Lou Ford

Betty is survived by her daughter, Debra Ann Payne; son, Jeffory Lee Patterson; stepson, Steve Jones (Judy); sister, Marie Kelly; sister, Shirley Lorenz; sister, Mary Jean Mock; sister, Edna “Patsy" Parkes; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and also, many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by first husband, Grover Cleveland “Pat” Patterson; second husband, J.T. Jones; and third husband, J. Murray Ford; her father, William McStephenson; mother, Eola Driggers McStephenson; brothers, William P. “Buddy” McStephenson and Raymond McStephenson.

Betty Lou was born on March 26, 1927 in Jacksonville, FL to William McStephenson and Eola Driggers McStephenson. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1945, married Grover Cleveland Patterson and began working at Kraft Food, where she worked for 42 years.

Her children remember her as kind, loving Christian mother and was she was passionate with volunteering her services with Macedonia Baptist Church, now known as Rise Church. She has been a member of the church since 1945. Betty Lou was a member of the Jacksonville Garden Club and Beta Lambda Sigma Phi. She enjoyed bowling, baking, going on cruises and trips. She loved collecting frogs, Beanie Babies, Gone with the Wind memorabilia, Hummels, Precious Moments and cookbooks. An avid fan of the Florida Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars.

A Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205, on July 19, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at Rise Church, 8081 Lenox Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32221 on July 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Adam Peterson will officiate the proceeding with the burial service at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Betty Lou’s life.

In lieu of flowers, Betty Lou’s has asked, if able, to make donations to Rise Church.

The Family would like to thank Community Hospice Alice T. O’Neal Douglas Center for Caring for their compassionate care.

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