Lunns Colonial Funeral Home - Wichita Falls
Mary Carolyn Jones Ford, age 91, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the House of Hope. She joined her beloved husband, Russell, parents and brothers in heaven and received her crown of glory in the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ. Carolyn was born October 4, 1929 in Okemah, Oklahoma to Idabel and Judge Dick Jones. Carolyn married the love of her life, Russell James Ford, November 27, 1952 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, after meeting in Midland, Texas. Their almost 56-year marriage was a testament to their deep, abiding love for each other and their family.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Charles and Sterling Jones. Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Nancy Littlejohn of Austin, Sarah Jo and her husband Dr. Mark Hardin of Dallas, and Melissa Belle Ford of Houston, and her son, Russell James Ford, Jr. and his wife Caren of Plano. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Joe Jones of Oklahoma City, her grandchildren Libby Slane and her husband Rob of Los Angeles, CA, Andrew Ford Littlejohn and his wife Liz of New York, NY, James Littlejohn of Taylor, TX, Caroline and Spencer Hardin of Dallas, TX, Russell James Ford III and his wife Lauren of Lubbock, TX, Carson Ford and his wife Lindy of Dallas, TX, and great grandchildren Drew Littlejohn and Robert, Camilla and Katharine Slane. As a woman who cherished and nurtured her extended family, she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family also wishes to thank caregiver and dear friend, Freddie Randle, who lovingly took care of Carolyn for many years.
Growing up with three brothers, Carolyn learned the craft of peacemaking and competitive sportsmanship. Her judge father taught her to respect the law, to always be fair and to embrace life with a sense of humor. Her mother taught her cooking skills, manners and how to be a gracious lady and hostess. Carolyn graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City in 1947, then attended Stevens College for two years achieving Phi Theta Kappa Honors before graduating from Oklahoma University with a B.A. in Math and minor in Physics in 1951. While at Oklahoma University, she was active with the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.
Her first job was working as a seismograph human computer and physicist at Shell Oil Company in Midland, Texas, where she met her husband, who worked as a geologist also at Shell. For many years, Carolyn was involved with family and charitable activities in Oklahoma City before moving in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1968. There, she continued her participation with Campfire Girls, Geologist Wives, P.E.O., P.T.A., and Alpha Chi Omega Alumni, and additionally became involved with the Wichita Falls Symphony, Ballet, Museum and Art Center, and Unity Study Group, Women's Forum, and Cotillion Club. Carolyn also devoted much of her time to activities at First Christian Church, including Christian Women's Fellowship, Sunday School, the Deaconate, and children's activities.
Carolyn was a devoted wife and loving mother, who thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family as well as celebrating every season and holiday with beautiful decorations and festive food. She especially enjoyed spending time at their cabin at Triangle X Ranch in Wyoming, and traveling all over the world with her husband. She inspired others to serve God and their community with a smile, generosity and an open heart, and she always arrived at the doorstep of those in need of comfort with a fresh buttermilk cake and a hug. Carolyn taught her children to value love, high principles, Christianity, devotion to family, charity, and faith in God. As the eternal optimist, Carolyn will be remembered as everyone's sunshine.
The family will receive friends at a visitation in the parlor at First Christian Church, Wichita Falls from 12:00 until service time on Friday, January 22nd. Services will follow in the sanctuary at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Mark Bender officiating. Interment will be at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to first Christian Church Memorial Fund, 3701 Taft Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX 76308, Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310 or P.E.O. Chapter BE, 36 Woodland Circle, Wichita Falls, TX 76302.
"Blessed is the mother who shares her faith in Jesus Christ with her family-by what she does and what she says".
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com .
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