Mary Eliska Gentry Ford

Mary Eliska Gentry Ford (Mrs. J.L.), age 87, of Nashville, TN, was united with her Savior on August 4, 2015. Born September 30, 1927 in Durant, OK, she received degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Middle Tennessee State University. A gifted teacher and lifelong educator, Mary shared her love of learning with school children, foreign families, and her grandchildren. She also ministered alongside her husband in the churches he pastored in Tennessee (Englewood Baptist, Jackson; First Baptist, Woodbury; and Eastland Baptist, Nashville, and Fair River, Brookhaven, MS. Mary’s outgoing personality and love for people endeared her to many. She enjoyed entertaining guests in her home, singing, gardening, sewing, reading, and writing letters to her friends and family. She was happiest when surrounded by family, especially when they were helping her with one of her many creative projects. Her adventurous spirit and hardworking nature allowed her to experience life to the fullest – whether it was traveling the world or going to the beach at the age of 85, Mary thrived on making the most of every day, recognizing each day as a gift from God. She is preceded in death by her parents, Marion Dewey Gentry, Sr. and Annie Henson Gentry, sisters, Ceawilla Burris, Lou Wanda Richard, and Peggy Blair, and beloved husband, Dr. J.L. “Pete” Ford. A beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she is survived by her brother, Marion Dewey Gentry, Jr. (Terri), and children, Dr. Brian Ford (Lisa) and Martha Ford Robinson (Bob). Her legacy includes her grandchildren, Valerie Ford Bowman (Matt), Andy Ford (Kelsey), Ellen Robinson Price (Geoff), Bradley Robinson (Francesca), Elizabeth Robinson Patton (Travis), and Grant Robinson, her great-grandchildren, Julia and Audrey Bowman, Mary Peyton Price, Colette Robinson, and Jackson Ford and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, Nashville. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m. until the service.