Cora Lota Ford

Cora Lota Ford passed from this life on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 9:15 pm at the Carrier Mills Nursing Home.

She was born in Flat Rock, Illinois on March 30, 1937 to Bennie and Irene (Dunlap) Stevenson. She married Jerry Ford on November 11, 1955 in Flat Rock, Illinois and together they have shared over 66 years of marriage.

Lota was a homemaker, and worked in the professional world in various positions. She started with L.S. Heath and Sons in Robinson, Illinois setting up their computer programs. Then moved to Case Manufacturing in the same capacity. After Jerry entered the ministry she became involved in Women's Ministry programs and served in the ministry along with her husband. As they pastored First Baptist Church of Altamont she served as administrative assistant at the First Baptist Church of Effingham. When they moved to Harvard, illinois to plant a church, she worked as an assistant in the junior high school library and served in various capacities at First Baptist Church of Harvard. She taught piano for years and was extremely proud of all of her students. She also served as church organist in the churches where they served.

Leaving Northern Illinois to begin ministry in Southern Illinois she became deeply involved in the Women's Ministry programs and taught Sunday School in various capacities. From Dorrisville Baptist in Harrisburg; to FBC of Jonesboro, to Third Baptist in Marion and then to Second Baptist in Herrin she became a leader in Women's Bible Study and Women's Retreats.

She also became an Administrative Assistant at Southern Illinois University in the Counseling Center and the Research Center for many years and retired from there to become a homemaker again.

Cora Lota leaves behind a husband Jerry and a son and daughter-in-law Mark and Linda Ford, two step grandchildren Ashley Miller and her husband Chris, and Josh Konneker. Four great grandchildren, Addlyn, Carson, and Callen Miller, and Lucas Konneker. Brother Wayne and wife Shirley Stevenson survive in Flat Rock, Illinois, and her niece Ann and her husband, Tim survive and live in Robinson, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two children; Steven Wayne and Marci and sister Patricia Pinkstaff.

Family burial services will be at a later date in Jones Cemetery in Flat Rock, Illinois. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Jones Cemetery. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.