Patricia D. Ford, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend transitioned on June 11, 2024 at Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Patricia was born on August 31, 1943, in Pine Hill, Wilcox County, Alabama. She was the middle child of three children born to the late Percy Cleveland Dumas and the late Anna Madison Dumas. She committed herself to Christ at an early age.
An exceptional student, she was salutatorian of Anne Manie High School. Upon graduating, she furthered her educational pursuits at Alabama A&M University where she received her baccalaureate degree in Business Education with a minor in English. Patricia attended Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development, obtaining her master’s degree in Library Science. She also completed post-master’s work in library science at Peabody College and courses in business education/administration and personnel administration at Alabama A&M University. Additional coursework was completed toward the doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Patricia began her extensive career in 1965 at Councill Training High School as a business teacher, where she taught typing, shorthand and general business. She was an avid reader and had great interest in genealogy. In 1969, she began working at her alma mater, Alabama A&M University, as an administrative assistant to Dr. Carl H. Marbury in the Department of Library Media in the Learning Resources Center (LRC). Dr. Marbury would later become the seventh president of Alabama A&M University. For several years, Patricia continued to apply her administrative skills within the LRC. Thereafter, she became the Assistant Director and subsequently, Director of the Duplication and Information Center at Alabama A&M University.
Due to reorganization, the Duplication and Information Center was phased out and Patricia returned to the LRC to become the Assistant to the Director and eventually the Interim Director of the Learning Resources Center. Under her leadership, the LRC underwent extensive renovations to support the growing needs of the University.
After her successful tenure at the LRC, Patricia became the Director of the Alabama State Black Archives & Research Center Museum housed on the campus of Alabama A&M University. While serving in this capacity, she also held a dual role as a librarian in the LRC during the University’s librarian shortage, providing a critical service to students to ensure their success.
In recognition of her involvement in numerous professional, civic and community organizations, Patricia was selected as the 2018 William Hooper Council Distinguished Alumna by the Huntsville Progressive Alumni Chapter, Inc. of Alabama A&M University Alumni Association, Inc. She was a member of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.; Alabama Governor’s Mansion Authority Board; and Huntsville Progressive Alumni Chapter, Inc. Patricia served as a faithful member of the historic St. Bartley Primitive Baptist Church, the oldest black church in the state of Alabama. Additionally, she was a proud member of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and a charter member of Greater Huntsville (AL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.
Patricia played a pivotal role in shaping the African American historical perspective for the Alabama Bicentennial celebration. As an appointed member of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission and Advisory Committee, her tireless efforts in researching and coordinating various aspects of African American contributions to Alabama’s history were invaluable. Through her expertise and dedication, Patricia was instrumental in the creation and publication of The Future Emerges from the Past: Celebrating 200 Years of Alabama African American History & Culture. This publication documented and celebrated the roles, impacts and achievements of African Americans in Alabama.
Patricia was married to the late Charles F. Ford, for 43 years. To that union was born one daughter, Attorney Kimberly A. Ford, of Huntsville, Alabama.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Raymond Cleveland Dumas. Patricia is survived by her loving daughter, Kimberly; step-daughter, Vahness Ford Taylor (Franklin, TN); granddaughter, Ashley Taylor-Moss (Mitchell) (Hermitage, TN); sister, Mary J. Dumas (Huntsville, AL); sister-in-law, Shirley Dowdell (Charles, deceased) (LaPorte, IN); dear and devoted friend, Dollie Jackson (Huntsville, AL); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Patricia was always well-appointed with grace and classic style. Although this beautiful and kind woman has left us, her legacy will continue through the impact she made in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, June 16, 2024 at the Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church (3020 Belafonte Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35816) with Pastor Jaymes Mooney officiating. Interment will be in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. Mrs. Ford will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024 and 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Sunday, June 16, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
