On August 28, 1919, Minnie Evelyn Ford Manley was born to the late Samuel S. Ford, Sr. and Viola Glover Ford. The fourth child of nine siblings and a half-sister, "Snooks" was the new bundle of joy and sunshine. She was educated in the public schools of Lynchburg, Virginia and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1941. After graduation from Dunbar, she pursued the fulfillment of her dreams in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Provident Nursing School as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was employed by st. Elizabeth Hospital and D.C. General Hospital where she worked for many years. She was a Life Member of the NAACP. "Snooks", "Snookums", or "Snookie", as she was affectionately called, became a Christian at an early age. She worked faithfully at Rivermont Baptist Church as a youngster into adulthood. While living in D.C., she was an active member of Friendship Baptist Church. Upon retirement in the 1980's, she moved back to her hometown and resumed her commitment to Rivermont. At these two churches she served as an Usher, a Trustee, a member and officer in various ministries, and received special recognition as a Trustee from Rivermont. Her nursing dedication and skills continued as a private duty nurse in the home setting. She also had her own ministry as a good Samaritan to others. She was previously married to Ole' Manley. She moved to Baltimore twelve years ago to live with her sister, Viola, and to be with her family here. She joined Fountain Baptist Church under the pastorate of her brother, Rev. Herman A. Ford, Sr. (Retired). She remained a member in good standing there until over a year ago when she joined Falls Road AME Church, the greatest Church in the Kingdom. She loved Pastor Edmonds, first lady, Rev. Jerri, the ministerial staff, officers and members. "Snookums" was a loving, kind-hearted person who loved her siblings. Not having children of her own she "adopted" and treated her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews as her own, plus any other children she could add to the number and spoil. Being a meticulous southern lady, she never attended church without her gloves, hat, matching purse and shoes. The "Chinese laundry" could not compete with her ironing a shirt or folding clothes or sheets. She loved sports and was an avid fan of the Ravens, Tiger Woods and Yankees. It's a wonder she didn't give herself a heart attack cheering and pulling for either of them. As her health began to fail she didn't attend church as often or cheer too loudly. God saw the load was getting heavy, and the hills were hard to climb. He plucked the most beautiful flower to bloom in His heavenly garden. After a lengthy illness, she transitioned to be with God February 11, 2014, at Gilchrist Hospice Center. Before entering Gilchrist, she was cared for by Viola and Rosa with untiring love and devotion. They continued their love and concern with daily visits to Gilchrist. We thank God for the years we shared with "Snookums"; we praise Him for receiving her to live where there is no more pain, tears or sorrow; she can mingle with Daddy, Mama, brothers Jesse and Samuel, sisters Gladys and Estelle who pre-deceased her. She leaves to celebrate her legacy three sisters, Lorraine F. Cobbs (Malcolm), Viola E. McPherson and Rosa F. Taylor, all of Baltimore; two brothers, George W. Ford, Sr., Lynchburg, VA and Rev. Herman A. Ford, Sr., Baltimore; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Special sentiments were shared between her, Barbara Johnson, Hattie Terrell, Ozella Richardson, all of Baltimore and a devoted girlfriend, Jean Taliaferro of Lynchburg, Virginia. Viewing Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, February 21, 2014 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave.
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions Funeral Service Falls Road A.M.E. Saturday, February 22, 2014 10:30 AM Email Details 2145 Pine Ave.
Baltimore, Md Funeral to begin @ 11:00 am Directions