Claudia Mae Ford

Claudia Mae Ford transitioned from this life to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday November 13, 2020 in her home with family present.  She was born May 12, 1929 in Panola County; Batesville, Mississippi to Clara Herring and John Vance.  She was married to Sam Ford for 37 years.  They moved to Danville, Illinois in 1951.

She was a longstanding member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.  She served on the Mother’s Board, as a Sunday School teacher and B.T.U. (Baptist Training Union) teacher.

Claudia was formerly employed at Goldblatt’s, Meis Bros and Bergner’s department stores.  She retired from Illinois Department of Public Aid.

During her children’s school years, she was active in PTA (Parent Teacher Association).  She served as PTA president at Collett Grade School and membership chairman of PTA at East Park Junior High School.

A public viewing will be held on November 22, 2020 from 12:00 Noon til 3:00pm at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St., Danville.

Claudia’s children saw her as a virtuous woman, a rare jewel whose value is far above rubies and they appreciated her for being a great mother.  Her demonstration of Christian parenthood and sacrifice for her children has been a remarkable testimony to her walk with God. 

Claudia often declared that “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalms 27:1).   She was always singing and praising the Lord.  She enjoyed reading her Bible, gardening, sitting on her porch, taking walks and spending time with her family.

 Claudia leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life a stepdaughter, Louise Adams, Los Angeles, CA; daughters Almarie Ford, New Orleans, LA; Clara (Phillip) Davis, Claudean Withers  and Alesia Ford all of Danville, IL; sons Paul Ford, Birmingham, AL and Vincent (Debbie) Ford, Greenfield, IN.   

She also leaves to cherish her memory 9 grandchildren; Danielle Davis, Lori Ncube, Nathan Withers, Tifaan Ford, Lauren (Aaron) Barnes, Shelby Ford, Paul Ford II, Brooke Ford and Isaac Ford; 13 great grandchildren-Tierra Collier, Dante Groves, D’Oniss Withers, M’Kane Knox, Kailise Kimbrough, Tayln Kimbrough, Erin Nora Barnes, Adrian James Barnes, Ayden, Amari, Ariez, Arian and Amyiah Withers; 1 great-great grandchild, Jayden Collier and a host of nieces and nephews.

She is survived by sisters Juanita Stewart and Joyce (Robert)Dumas, Danville, IL and a brother Chester (Thelma) Herring, Indianapolis, IN.  

Claudia was preceded in death by her husband Sam Ford, a son Sammie, her mother Clara Herring, her father John Vance; 3 brothers- James Parker, Samuel Herring, Joe Herring; 2 sisters- Essie Harris, Effie Pearson and 3 step children Sally Sanford, Annie Mae Tucker and Earl Ford.    

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