Beatrice Juanita Ford

Beatrice Juanita Rankin Ford, 92, of Charlotte, NC passed away on March 1, 2024.  She was born on June 19, 1931 in Kings County, New York, a daughter of the late Elijah Rankin and Irene Wright Rankin.

Juanita moved to Charlotte, NC following the death of her husband in 2006.  She was a fiercely independent woman with very strong opinions and beliefs.  She had artistic talent that ranged from being a writer to an illustrator.  Juanita was a devoted woman of faith ending her journey as a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church where she was baptized.  She loved animals, especially cats and horses, watching her "soaps" daily, and eating her healthy salads (which she prepared) daily.  During her lifetime, Juanita held many professions, but lived the majority of her life as a homemaker.  Juanita was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, and great grandmother.  For all who knew her, she was a wonderful orator and told the best stories.  She will be greatly missed.

Juanita braved through many decades and eras and her legacy is continued on by her children, Allison Ford, Wayne Ford, Yolanda Ford Laine and husband Pete, Susan Ford, and Pete Ford; grandchildren, Tyrel Sharod Ford, Yamina Monet Ford, Kimmie Amant Dobson, Cheikh Wade, Khassim Wade, Gloria Irene Ford, Sidney Ford, and Shayna Lisa Ford; great-grandchildren, (son of Tyrel) Liam Jackson Ford, Aaron Alexander Dobson, Nyla Marie Sigmon; and nieces, Sandy Bowen and Gloria Baker.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Roi Ford; grandson, Tyrel Sharod Ford; sisters, Irene Rankin and Edith Rankin; sister in law, Glennie Padmore; and niece, Sonia Payne Andrews.

The family will receive friends at St. Mark's Episcopal Church,  258 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. also at the church with Father John Simpson officiating.  Interment will follow at Evergreen "A Quiet Place" Cemetery, Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Humane Society of Charlotte, 1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208.