Marilyn Ford
Marilyn Ford was born on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1933, to Clyde Joseph and Gladys Irene Keeling at Christoffer and Edgar Hospital in Mexia. She attended Mexia ISD, where she was in Chorus and Band, and was named Who’s Who, F.F.F. Sweetheart, Band Queen, Lions Club Sweetheart, Senior Favorite, and President of the Future Teachers of America.
After graduation she attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, where she became a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She was also a cheer leader, a member of a capella choir, and was nominated for Tri Delta Beauty. It was also at Southwestern that she met the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” Ford. They were married Aug.15, 1953, in Mexia at First United Methodist Church by the Rev. J. I. Patterson.
After Bobby’s service in the Army in Virginia Beach, Va., where she taught to soldiers, they moved to Bartlett. She taught first- through eighthgrades for nearly 40 years and served as band director for one year. Thanks to Wayne Persky they received a 1 in concert that year. She later received a masters degree in education from Texas A&M Prairie View and retired from teaching in 1998.
Marilyn was superintendent of the Primary Department, chairman of the Administrative Board, chairman of the Care Team, song leader, T.S.T.A. president, and member of the Praise and Worship Band at her church.
She is survived by daughter, Suzanne Ford; son, Robert C. Ford III; her grandso,n Drew Messamore; and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Bartlett.
