Ann Heustess Ford

Ann H. Ford, 84, of Jonesboro, died Friday, May 31 at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center. She had lived in Jonesboro since 1969, moving here from Starkville, Mississippi. Mrs. Ford received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Memphis State University. Ann was a member several organizations at MSU, including Alpha Xi Delta sorority, serving as president of her chapter. She retired from Arkansas State University in 2007. While employed at ASU, she was a recipient of the Distinguished Performance Award. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for decades, teaching Sunday school to four-year-olds for many years, as well as serving on the Alter Guild and volunteering her time in many ways over the years. Ann proudly volunteered for 16 years for the St. Bernards Foundation through her involvement with the St. Bernards Auxiliary. Fourteen of those years were spent working countless hours in the hospital’s gift shop, with many years as a buyer. She received the Governor’s Volunteer Excellence award for her outstanding volunteer service in the state of Arkansas. Ann had many hobbies which included playing bridge in several groups, entertaining, ASU sports (and collecting ASU memorabilia), traveling, shopping, and her family. Her grandchildren referred to her as “Neenie.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Willena Heustess, brother Henry Heustess, and husband, Dr. Charles Wade Ford.

Survivors include her sons, Charles Wade Ford Jr. (Kim) of Plano, Texas; Mike Ford (Erin) of Simpsonville, South Carolina; daughter, Lynne Smith (Mark) of Villa Rica, Georgia; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 8, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Reverend John Miles officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Friday, June 7, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Emerson State Room. She will then be buried at Forrest Park Cemetery in Forrest City at 3:00 p.m.

For lasting memorials, please consider the St. Bernards Foundation or the St. Bernards Auxiliary, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401.