Shirley Marie (Williams) Ford

Shirley Marie Ford

The Celebration of Life for Shirley Marie Williams Ford, 73, of Brazoria will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at New Shores Church, 6303 FM 1459, Sweeny, Texas.

Shirley was born on May 7, 1948 in Brazoria, TX, the second child born to Charlie and Veola Simple Williams. She joined the heavenly chorus Monday, October 18, 2021, with her family by her side.

Shirley married Ronnie C. Ford on March 18, 1978. Shirley was blessed with two sons, Darren C. Ford and Dr. Derek C. Ford.

Shirley graduated from George Washington Carver High School, Sweeny, TX, in 1966, and was crowned Miss Carver for the last graduating class. After graduating high school, she attended Wharton County Junior College. She then matriculated to Sam Houston State University (SHSU) in Huntsville, TX, receiving her Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1972.

Shirley was well known for her soprano singing voice. One of her life’s many treasured moments was leading Negro Spirituals with the SHSU Choir, touring internationally to Holland, France, Switzerland and Germany. She will be remembered as the first African American student to give a senior vocal recital in the history of SHSU.  

Shirley was a dedicated and exemplary elementary school music teacher for 35 years and taught for 33 years in Sweeny ISD (SISD), where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2000. She was also recognized by Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers for her educational excellence. She was a member of the Texas State Teachers Association of Professional Educators, Kodaly Educators of Texas, Delta Kappa Gamma, Sweeny Professional Educators and served on many SISD committees for many years.

Shirley was a member of Greater Mt. Zion where Elder Roland K. Hendricks is Senior Pastor. She served the church that her grandfather founded faithfully over the years, serving in many capacities. She additionally served in various axillaries in the Southern District Association.

Shirley leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving and devoted husband of 43 years, Ronnie C. Ford, Brazoria, TX; son, Darren C. Ford (Renee), University City, TX; son, Dr. Derek C. Ford (Barbara), Brookshire, TX; sister, Charlene Moore (Elvan), Freeport, TX; brother, Clemon C. Williams (Lillie), Missouri City, TX; sister, Anita Flannel, Missouri City, TX. Grandchildren, Robert, Brianna, Darren Jr., Devon, Charlie, Alexander and Chandler Ford, God Daughters, Brandis Kennerson, Kenedi Allen, special great niece, Tiffany Lacy, special Son, Raymond Woods (Cassandra). God Siblings Ben Mack Jr., Rita George, Florence Kennerson (Kerry Sr.), Lucky Simple (Beth) and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Shirley will be laid to rest at Mims Cemetery in Brazoria, Texas.

There will be a visitation on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at New Shores Church.

Funeral services will be streamed on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/DixonFuneralTX

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, attendees are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria at (979) 798-9113.        

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