James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel Effie Mae Bell Ford, 90, of Marianna died Tuesday January 29, 2008 at Jackson Hospital. Mae was born in Malone, Florida, May 14, 1917 to Dr. William Ealy Bell and Hattie Elvira Bell. she lived there until she graduated from Malone High School in 1936. Soon afterwards she and Bartow Ford were married in 1937 and lived a very happy life, mostly in Marianna, until his untimely death in 1989 at the age of 71. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bartow Ford, her son Jimmy, her parents and her brothers, Elzie B. Bell, Elmer Bell and Bloss Bell. Bartow went into the army during World War II and served for three years. When he returned, he went into the service station and auto air-conditioning business in downtown Marianna. Mae kept the books and helped when he needed her. They were a good team! In 1954 Mae and Bartow adopted the Love of their life, their son, Jimmy. He was only 19 yrs old when he passed away after a long courageous battle with Leukemia. He left a large hole in their hearts, and some years later, Mae and Bartow started the Jimmy Ford Hand Bell Memorial for Marianna First Baptist Church which is currently one of the most outstanding hand bell collections in the area. The hand bells have been enjoyed by the entire community on numerous occasions. Mae has been very active in various community activities throughout her lifetime. She has been active in Chapter 129 of the Eastern Star since 1945, serving in many leadership capacities. She was a charter member of the Azalea Circle of the Marianna Garden Club and holds a State Life Membership. Mae's over fifty years' membership in the Marianna Woman's Club gives her Life Membership. She has served in many positions of leadership, including club president in 1980-1981. Survivors include: 16 nieces and nephews from the Ford and Bell family that will miss her greatly including her care givers, Betty Ford Hatcher and William Ealy Bell. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Friday, February 1, 2008 at Maddox Chapel with Rev. Bill Hinds officiating, burial will follow at Collins Chapel Cemetery near Malone. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, January 31, 2008 at Maddox Chapel. Flowers will be accepted or contribution may be made to the Jimmy Ford Hand Bell Choir Fund at the First Baptist Church of Marianna.
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