Daisy Mae Ford
Daisy Mae Ford, 94, of Chattanooga, our cherished mother and grandmother slipped quietly into eternal rest on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in her home.
Born on March 31, 1930, in Huntsville, Al., to Pinkie Battle Cawthorne and James Pope, Daisy was their only child. As one of the youngest in her family, her cousins lovingly gave her the nickname “Baby Sister,” a term of endearment that has stayed with her and continues to warm the hearts of her family to this day.
She received her formal years of education at Council Training School in Huntsville, Al. It was there that she met a young man, Ozzie Ford, Sr. They married shortly after in 1946 and moved to Chattanooga. Daisy was a devoted mother to her four children: Jeanetta “Jean”, Ozzie Jr., Priscilla Ann “Pat” and Ralph Phillip. She instilled in them the values of faith, compassion, hard work, and the importance of family.
As a young wife and mother, Daisy was employed as a domestic worker until her children reached high school. At that time, she decided to complete her high school education and earned her GED. Daisy was known for her unwavering kindness, infectious smile and a heart full of love. She dedicated her life to her family and her passion for helping others. As a young woman, Daisy pursued a nursing career, earning her Licensed Practical Nursing certification in 1964. Her compassionate nature made her a beloved nurse and she was recognized for her dedication to patient care. She was employed by Erlanger Medical Center as an LPN, retiring after committing more than 25 years of service there. Even after retiring, Daisy continued to care for others as a private duty nurse, touching lives with her tender heart whenever she could. Ms. Daisy, as she was known at Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, was one of the eldest members of the church after joining the ministry almost 60 years ago under the leadership of the late Pastor Emeritus Melvin Jordan. She was always willing to help the ministry in any way that she could from attending weekly bible study, prayer and women of excellence meetings to serving as an Usher on the Senior Usher Board for over 50 years. She was recognized as one of the ministry's “Matriarch of the Faith” in 2016. Her faith and her church family were integral parts of her life, providing her with strength and comfort throughout her journey.
Daisy had a deep love for gardening and found joy in nurturing her vibrant flowers and abundant vegetable garden. She also loved simple pleasures like fishing, reading the Sunday newspaper comics, and hunting for the best bargains. Her family cherished her homemade meals and delicious baked treats, which were always made with love.
In her later years, Daisy became active in her community, serving as a foster grandparent at the Chattanooga Head Start program in Avondale. She truly loved working with the children and staff, bringing her warmth and kindness to everyone she met. But above all, Daisy was a proud grandmother. Her grandchildren were the greatest joys of her life, and she treasured every moment of watching them grow. She was also blessed to become a devoted great-grandmother,
embracing the next generation with the same love and care. Daisy was a constant source of strength, love, and support to her entire family and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Daisy was preceded in death by her beloved son, Ralph Phillip Ford; parents, Pinkie Battle Cawthorne and James Pope; sister, Susie Mae Jennings; dear sisters-in-law, Charlie Mae Ford, Bertha Ford, Annie J. King, Loretta Lewis and Goldie Ford.
Gone but not forgotten, Daisy leaves to carry on her loving memory, daughters, Jeanetta ( Marvin) Lee and Priscilla A. Ford, son, Rev. Dr. Ozzie (Joyce) Ford, Jr.; grandchildren, DeMeria Porter, Alethea Bonner, Iniko Ford, Jamar (Miriam) Ford, Ozzie Ford, III, Randall (Tiffany) Ford, Karitsa (William) Jones and Nausha Hambrick; several great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and longtime North Chamberlain Avenue neighbors.
Daisy will lie in state on Friday, Oct. 25, from 2-6 p.m with a family visitation from 4-6 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at noon at Mt Canaan Baptist Church with Dr. Ternae T. Jordan, Sr, Pastor as the eulogist. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.