Rev. Dr. Jerry J. Ford

Rev. Dr. Jerry J. Ford, age 86, of Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Illinois.

Jerry was born November 05, 1936 in Flat Rock, Illinois, a son of Raymond and Leona "Toni" (Branson) Ford. He married Cora Lota Stevenson on November 11, 1955 in Flat Rock, IL, and together they shared 66 years of marriage. Rev. Ford started serving the Lord in 1962 as an ordained minister serving many churches throughout the state and continued to serve until his death. One of Jerry's greatest accomplishments was his Doctorate Degree of Bible Philosophy. One of Jerry's amazing career accomplishments was serving as Lead Pastor at Third Baptist Church in Marion, Illinois. Even in his retirement he continued to serve. He most recently served as Director of Missions in Williamson County and was instrumental in multiple mission trips abroad including Russia, Siberia, Spain, Greece and Bulgaria.

He is survived by one son, Mark D. (Linda) Ford of Harrisburg, IL; two grandchildren, Ashley (Chris) Miller and Joshua Konneker; his Great Grandchildren, Lucas Konneker, Callen Miller, Carson Miller, and Addlyn Miller; one brother, Roger (Karen) Ford of Lawrenceville, IL; Brother-in-law, Wayne (Shirley) Stevenson and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond H. and Leona "Toni" Ford; wife Cora Lota Ford; two children, Steven Ford and Marci Ford and sister-in-law Patricia (Jim) Pinkstaff.

Private graveside services for Rev. Dr. Jerry J. Ford will be held at 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