The family of Bessie Marie Ford of Tarry, Arkansas, AR announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
Below, the family shares some of what made her life meaningful.
Bessie held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith gave Bessie a place to stand, and a place to return to.
Celebrating the Life of Bessie Marie Ford
Bessie Marie Ford was born on August 27, 1960, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Reverend Gabe "G.L." Lee Ford, Jr. and the late Mildred (Johnson) Ford. On Friday, May 1, 2026, God gently called His beloved daughter home as she rested peacefully-just as she would have wanted-bringing her earthly journey to a close and welcoming her into eternal rest.
Bessie was raised in Star City, Arkansas, where she graduated from Star City High School in 1978. With determination and quiet strength, she continued her education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, proudly following in the footsteps of her siblings. While there, she earned an internship with the Department of Defense, setting the stage for a remarkable career. After graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, she began her professional journey at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Through hard work, dedication, and excellence, Bessie rose through the ranks from a GS-4 to a GS-11, ultimately retiring as a respected Production Management Specialist in 2022.
Bessie's life was anchored in her faith. At an early age, she confessed her hope in Christ and was baptized by her father, as only he would have it-a moment that shaped her spiritual journey. After moving to Oklahoma, she joined Christian Life Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Jayel Jacobs. There, she flourished spiritually and joyfully served in the choir, finance team, Sweet Spirit Ministry, and wherever her hands were needed. Bessie played a vital role in fostering a strong bond between Christian Life and Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, creating a lasting fellowship that united both congregations as one extended family.
Following her retirement, Bessie fulfilled a long-held dream of returning home to Tarry, Arkansas. With faith and excitement, she reunited with her roots and her family. Once home, she joined Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Clarence Holman. True to who she was, she immediately became active, lifting her voice in the choir and serving through the Good Shepherd Ministry. Even as her health began to decline, her spirit of service, kindness, and devotion never wavered.
Bessie will be remembered for her warm heart, her unwavering faith, her dedication to family, and her willingness to serve others with love and humility. She found joy in life's simple pleasures-especially the comfort of home, where she could rest, reflect, and just be at peace.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Dr. G.L. and Mildred Ford; her grandparents, Milton and Ophelia Johnson, and Gabe Sr. and Alice Ford; and her brother, Samuel Atkinson.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her brothers, Cleo (Ruby) Ford of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Mark (Louise) Ford of Star City, Arkansas; her sister, Dorothy Jones of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; her sister-in-love, Shirley Atkinson of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; her special friend, William Belcher of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends whose lives she touched so deeply.
Though she is no longer with us in body, her light, her laughter, and her love will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 2704 Commerce Circle, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2121 West 26th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, officiated by Dr. Clarence Holman.
Obituary submitted by family.
