Mrs. Lillie Ford

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” John 14:27

“Let not your heart be troubled” John 14:1

Lillie Mae Jones was born on October 10, 1945, in Newellton, Louisiana, to Leroy and Lucille Jones. She passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at her residence in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 79 years.

Lillie excelled in school and loved performing in theatrical plays. She met the love of her life, Henry Ford, Jr., in their hometown of Tallulah, Louisiana. There, they were married and later moved to Saginaw, Michigan, in 1967. To this union was born one daughter, Elizabeth “Ruta” (Arthur) Aikin, and one bonus daughter, Diedre (Gus) Tyler.

Lillie later went on to work for Child Haven, formerly the Saginaw County Child Receiving Home, and retired after many faithful years of service.

Lillie was a Jane of all trades: an amazingly talented seamstress and hairdresser. Her specialty was the old- fashion press and curl. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, baking, shopping, making people laugh, and listening to the “Blues” and watching Western films with her husband, Henry.

Lillie’s greatest accomplishment and joy was being a doting and loving grandmother to Jessica Lynn and Arthur “Brandon” Aikin. They were loved beyond measure.

Lillie also leaves to cherish her memory; cousin, Mildred Pratt, Saginaw, Michigan; 4 nephews, Craig Jones Houston, Texas, Jimmy Ford, Goldsboro, North Carolina, Jafari (Patricia) Baker, and Eric Baker, both of Richmond, California, and Rodney “Pete” White, Houston, Texas; 2 nieces, Jackie White, Houston, Texas, and Delores (Stanley) Whitmore, Columbus, Ohio; also a sister-in-love, Addie Ford, Saginaw, Michigan, and a host of other family members and friends.

Lillie was preceded in death by many loved ones-far too many to name them all. These include her parents, Leroy and Lucille Jones; siblings, Erma Lee, Earnestine, Percy, Ruby Lee, and Herbert; also preceded in death were her brothers-in-love, Joseph “Pug” Ford, James White, and Johnnie Baker; sister-in-love, Veter Baker; nephew, Anthony Jones, and nieces, Elaine White and Detrica Williams.

Lillie never met a stranger and over the years, she embraced and loved on so many wonderful people. Those that stuck with her to the very end include Karen Cope, John and Lucille Trice, Susan Walker, Glenda Alston, and Debra Parks.

The family of Mother Lillie Ford would also like to give a special thank you to Noelle Bunker and Tyrisha Martinez who provided exceptional care and support to her.

Thank you also to Jennifer Roberts, RN from Valley Hospice; and Liz and Nicole from the Commission on Aging.

Special thanks to Pastor Arthur and Lady Lera Aikin (Grandpa & Grandma Aikin), for your spiritual guidance, love, and support. We are truly grateful.

To all of you, thank you for being our village when we needed you the most. Lillie was loved and cherished by so many and will forever be in our hearts.

Love You, Momma Lillie

❤️