Dr. Minnie Lecarol Ford

Dr.Minnie LeCarol Ford 88  was born in Bishopville, SC and mirgrated to Horry and Marion Counties, with her parents. Father, Boston Ford, Sr.,was a sawmill worker and sharecropper farmer. Mother, Mrs.Martha Felder Ford was a SUPER gifted and talented homemaker. They provided a working Christian home that stressed high moral Standards and Character.

Early Education began in the schools of Marion County. Graduated from high school in Marion County Training School in the upper 5% of the class. Eager for more learning, she earned degress in Mathematics and Science from South Carolina State College, Indiana State University, Fisk University, University of South Carolina, and Loyola University. Post- graduate work at Oxford and Cambridge University in England. Crossland the English CHANNEL on the Hovercraft to tour Paris and France for two weeks. Other higher institutions of learning include: Clemson University, Lincoln University, Dillard University, Citadel and Illinois Institute of Technology.

Professionally: She was a Seconadary Mathematics and Science instructor in Marion School District One, Edison High School, in Gary, Indiana, Professor in resident at University of South Carolina Guardian ad Litem, and retired as Mathematics Instructor at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Early religious training started at St. James AME Church, Marion, SC. And later became a member of Bethel United Methodist Church were she served on the finance Committee, Higher education Campus Minister, Church Sunday School Teacher, for ages 60 years and over, Lay Speaker, Lunch and Learn Speaker, Stevenson Chapter No. 316 Order of Eastern Star, Dillon-Marion County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. City of Marion Citizens Advisory Committee, Historic Marion Revitalization Association, the Marion County Planning and Development Board Secretary, Clemson University Palmetto Scholar, Southern Association of Secondary School, College and Universities Evaluation Board, 1st  Chairperson of Mathematics Department, and Notary Public for the State of South Carolina.

During Dr. Ford's Service journey, she received numerous recognitions and award for exceptional work and concern for humankind. At this point, only some of the awards will be mentioned. Voted Teacher of the month and teacher of the year many times, Excellence in Education for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Souvenir Booklet , Unanimously elected (2011-2012) to receive the Bobby Gerald  Main Street Award, September 11,2016 of Outstanding Service and Generosity of Spirit to the Bethel United Methodist Church where the Elder J. Elbert Williams, Pastor. Her proudest achievement is being able to help other people.

Dr. Ford's personal interest takes her down many avenues, just to state a few, backyard gardening, which includes growing, giving-away and canning vegetable and fruit, growing flowers, playing the piano or organ for personal enjoyment, drawing and painting, reading, tutoring and spending time with family and friends.

She leaves a legacy of memories to  Bishop, Boston Ford, Jr.(Willie), Julia Dais, Lillie Gaines, LeGretta Cheek, Nephews, Nieces, Cousins and friends.

Sisters that preceded her were Alga Gerald, Rosa Cunningham, Vernetia Duncan and Henrietta McCambry.

HER FINAL BENEDICTION: Always live by the keys of life. God first, Love one another, never hate (in a negative way),give generously, live simple, forgive quickly, and always be kind." A life of service, (masterpiece) without accolades.

                                                                           Written by: Dr. Minnie LeCarol Ford