Etta Ford

Etta Bailey Ford

Etta B. Ford, 80, died peacefully at her home in Tampa, FL on December 20, 2007 after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her late husband of 49 years, McCage Ford, Jr., and two sons, Paul Darden and Vernon Wright. She is survived by daughter, Frances Krezel and her husband Patrick of Tampa, FL; son, Floyd Wright of Portsmouth, VA; brother, Irvin "Sonny" Bailey and wife Ann of Chesapeake, VA; and grand-daughter Rachel Grant of Virginia Beach, VA. Born in Portsmouth, VA, she was a life-long resident of Portsmouth and Chesapeake until moving to Tampa, FL with her daughter and son-in-law in July of this year.

She met every one of life's challenges with grace and style. She was the first woman in the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1956. She worked at J. B. Hoffler Insurance Agency during the 1960's and was owner/operator of Bailey's Florist during the 1970's to name a few.

Mrs. Ford had a talent for helping others and generosity was her strong suit. Both she and her husband were members of the Western Branch Volunteer Rescue Squad as emergency medical technicians for several years during the late1980's/early 1990's. They were also involved as volunteer firefighters with the Chesapeake Volunteer Fire Department, Third Battalion, Brentwood Station.

Volunteer work also took her and McCage to Shenandoah National Park and Natural Chimney Park as campground hosts during the 1990's. Her background as an emergency medical technician was tailor-made for these kinds of jobs and her expertise was much sought after.

You could always count on her; she was an uncomplicated, straightforward wife, mother, sister, friend and neighbor. Her intelligence and humor were appreciated by everyone who knew her. She was the heart and soul of her family and "the one and only" to her beloved husband.

In keeping with her wishes, no funeral or memorial services will be held. She was cremated and her ashes will join those of her late husband in the scatter garden at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. Donations can be made in her name to LifePath Hospice, 12973 Telecom Pkwy, Temple Terrace, FL 33637.