Lillie "Dean" Ford's Obituary
Lillie Euldean "Dean" Foley Ford, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and educator died peacefully on September 14, 2024, at the age of 93.
Born on May 1, 1931, to Arlus and Opal Foley in Chenoa, Illinois, the youngest of three children.
Dean spent her formative years in rural Russell County, Kentucky. She enjoyed exploring the fields, streams and woods surrounding the family’s farm. She loved school and visiting her grandparent’s country store. After high school Dean attended Lindsey Wilson College for two years then transferred to Eastern Kentucky University to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Much later in life, Dean enrolled in George Mason University to earn a master’s degree in special education while also teaching full time, a testament to her craft and her enduring passion for lifelong learning.
Dean’s commitment to nurturing young minds was evident in her thirty years in public education.
She taught kindergarten through sixth grade students as a classroom and Special Education teacher. Dean spent the majority of her teaching career with Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia including positions with Bonnie Brae Elementary, Cunningham Park Elementary, and Great Falls Elementary among others. She inspired countless students with her dedication, creativity, patience and kindness.
Dean met her future husband, Glynn Ford, at Crescent Hill Baptist Church in 1954, they married a year later. Together, they shared a life of love and service in several church communities including: Central Baptist Church (6 years), Baptist Temple (6 years) and Washington Plaza Baptist Church (22 years). Dean supported her husband’s ministry through her own acts of compassion and involvement in the church community. She especially enjoyed teaching Sunday school and adult English as a Second Language classes. In retirement, Dean and Glynn traveled the world extensively, often with friends. Their sixty-year partnership was a model of mutual respect and devotion, grounded in their shared faith and commitment to making the world better.
Dean’s warmth extended beyond the classroom and church. She was a devoted mother to her two children, Roland and Holly, who were a source of lifelong pride. Her family was the center of her universe. Dean was happiest spending time with her grandchildren Erica, Brandon, Jordan and Bear and great grandchildren, Jacob and Brenna. She reserved every Sunday for attending church and family meals together. Her nurturing spirit created a warm and loving home for all.
Dean’s legacy is one of profound impact. Her students remember her for the genuine care she showed each of them. Her colleagues admired her for her unwavering professionalism and support. As a church member Dean was a pillar of the community and was always the first to volunteer when there was a need. In her retirement living communities, Dean was known for her impeccable sense of style and ever-present smile. Dean Ford’s legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched with her grace, faith, wisdom, and love. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Dean is preceded in death by her beloved husband Glynn, her brothers and sisters-in-law: Michael, Darlene, Mack and Christine. She is survived by her loving children: Roland; Holly (Alan); her cherished grandchildren Erica, Brandon, Jordan and Christopher “Bear”; adored great grandchildren Jacob and Brenna; and many fond nieces and nephews.
A private family service is planned at the time of interment. A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charitable organization of your choice in Dean’s honor.
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