Josephine Ford

Josephine Ford (Milsap) affectionately known as Jo went home to be with Jesus on February 26, 2020, at the age of 89.  She was the loving mother of her children Larry (Florence) Ford, Benjamin (Janis) Ford III,  L, Kenneth (Bobbi) Ford, Gwendolyn (Melvin) Washington, Honey Reneau, and Michael (Carol) Ford. Jo is preceded in death by her husband Benjamin F. Ford Jr., her parents Charlie and Annie Milsap (Moore), her son Benjamin Ford III, her brothers Calvin Milsap, Andrew Milsap, John Moore and sister Mary Smith. She is survived by her sister Charlie Lou Shackelford, and brothers Reynold Moore, and Douglas (Caryn) Moore.

Jo was born to Charlie Milsap and Annie Milsap (Banks) in Tupelo, Mississippi on June 22, 1930.   At an early age, Jo professed her faith in Jesus and became a member of the New Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church in Plantersville, MS.  Throughout her life, she expressed God’s love by being a good friend and neighbor.  Jo spent over 22 years volunteering and leading the church’s food pantry mission and received special recognition from Feeding America for her service. She held numerous leadership roles at St. James United Methodist Church and Albright United Methodist Church.

While attending B. F. Ford High School in New Albany, MS she met the love of her life, Benjamin F. Ford, Jr.  They moved to Wisconsin in the early 1950’s and enjoyed a full life. Jo enjoyed her work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s hospital for over 30 years. Because of her wholehearted love and generosity, many people called her mother. She instilled in her children a sense of charity and faith in God.

Jo’s legacy includes 6 children, 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Jo loved unconditionally all of her siblings, nieces, nephews, distant relatives and friends. As her children grew older and began their own families, she asked that Christmas holidays be spent at her home. For over 40 years, family and friends gathered, celebrated and made lasting fond and frankly funny memories.  Raising a village wasn’t always easy, but Jo made it look easy because she leaned on the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort her.

Jo had an awesome memory and loved to plan ahead.  Every year she sent a birthday card to each of her grandchildren. And as her children and grandchildren will attest she could give one look and telepathically convey her thoughts ( Whether it was “I love you, ” “Don’t worry, God forgives you,” or You’d better stop what you’re doing right now.”).

Jo loved to travel. She enjoyed trips to Prague, Germany, Spain, Africa, London, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Mexico, Canada, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Mediterranean cruises, Hawaii and practically every state in the United States. Her favorite trip was California to spend vacation time with her children and grandchildren. Some of her favorite pastimes were enjoying jazz, R & B, and classical music.  She attended ballets, operas, symphonies, musicals, and concerts.

It has been said that whenever she was around there was a glow of the Lord’s presence.  She was such a joy to be around and brought positive energy to any occasion.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday, March 6, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  Visitation also at Albright United Methodist Church, 5555 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Saturday, March 7, at 10:00 AM with the celebration of life at 11:00 AM.  Interment at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13500 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Flowers may be sent to Krause Funeral or Memorial Donations to Albright United Methodist Church