Minnie Bell "Sister" Burgess Ford, widow of James Edwards Ford, Sr., was born to the late Mr. James Burgess and Mrs. Azalee Epps-Burgess on January 20, 1940 in Clarendon County, SC. The Lord called his angel home on February 27, 2019 at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC.

At an early age, Minnie, affectionately known as "Sister", accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and began her Christian journey at Melina Presbyterian Church in Gable, SC. Minnie continued her Christian journey at St. Peter AME Church in Mayesville, SC, where she was a faithful and active member before her illness.

"Sister" was educated in the Clarendon County School System and graduated from Walker Gamble High School in 1961. She entered the workforce in Sumter County and devoted numerous years at Ramada Inn and later at Luv-n-care Childcare until her retirement.

She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish memories: three daughters: Patricia (Robert) Ford McLeod, Sanathea Ford McCoy, and Rebecca (Edward) Ford, the "Baby"; one son, 1SG James (Sharon) Ford, retired of Midway, GA; nine wonderful grandchildren: Alexander Ford of Columbia, SC (whom she raised), Javaris Ford, Mykesha Ford, Shanquetta Ford, Keyara Ford, Kentijau Gibbs, Shatoria McCoy, Kadeidra Gibbs, Shakina McCoy (known as the baby of the bunch); great-grandchildren: Aleyah Ford, Rodney Polite, Jr. (who was the apple of her eye), Amira Boykin, and Tynaisha Brown; two sisters, Mrs. Mary (David) Thomas of Mayesville, SC and Mrs. Martha (James) Taylor of Sumter, SC; three brothers: Mr. Alonzo (Cassandra) Burgess, Levern (Karen) Burgess both of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Deacon Alphonso (Faye) Burgess of Bronx, NY; special friends, whom she loved as her own children: Debra Walker, Dianne Williams, Elaine Hilton, Janet Awosanya, Mary Dennis, and Roderick McGee; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends

In addition to her parents and husband, Minnie was preceded in death by two sisters, Ola Lee Burgess and Rebecca McFaddin; three brothers: Willie James Burgess, Jasper Burgess, and Raymond Montgomery; one brother-in-law, Willie McFaddin; and best friend, Sarah Dwyer.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, March 8, 2019 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Mrs. Ford will be placed in the church on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 12pm for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center 101 S. Salem Avenue Sumter, SC 29150, with Rev. Marie Webb Officiating and Rev. Emmanuel Davis, Eulogist.

Interment will follow in Melina Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at the home, 410 Sanders Drive Sumter, SC 29150.