Thelma Cuba Ford

Thelma Cuba Vess Ford, age 92, of Marion, NC passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Oakland Living Center in Rutherfordton, NC.

Mrs. Ford was born November 7, 1925 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Ralph Vess and Hattie Dalton Hollifield.  She graduated from Cool Springs High School in Forest City, NC and went to work as a Graphic Artist for Delmar Studios in Matthews, NC then for McDowell News in Marion, NC.  She was a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church for 30+ years, where her late husband was the former pastor.  Over the years, Mrs. Ford held several positions in the church and was involved in various activities including:  WMU Director, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member and making the church bulletins.  She was very mission minded and visited many of the sick and elderly.  One of her favorite hobbies was working cross word puzzles, and she was very good at them.  Mrs. Ford will also be lovingly remembered for her quick wit, dry humor and her mischievousness.   

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Rev. Paul Andrew Ford; two sons, William Solon and Rev. David Paul Ford; and two brothers, Isaac Hollifield and William Hollifield.

Left behind to cherish Mrs. Ford’s memories are three children, Cuba Ann Ford of Marion, NC, Daniel Edgar Ford of CA and Wendy Case (Donald) of Chesnee, SC; one daughter-in-law, Nona Davis of St. Maries, ID; six grandchildren, Buffy Ford, Jedediah Ford-Thompson, Anita Case (David Meeler), Demian Ford (Patti), Aaron Ford and Eva Knapp (Dustin); seven great-grandchildren, Stryker Ford, Nona Daisy Ford, Taina Ford, Audrey Case-Meeler, Gillian Case-Meeler, Zoe` Ford-Thompson and Gia Ford-Thompson; and three step-great grandchildren, Carlos Morales, Maria Isabel Morales and Ramon Morales.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory.  A Funeral Service to celebrate Mrs. Ford’s life will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Ford officiating.  A Committal Service will follow the service at Dysartsville Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Eric Grindstaff officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: WMU NC, 1200 Front St. #110, Raleigh, NC 27609.