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Lillian Ford


Sunrise: June 20, 1942

Sunset: July 17, 2021

Lillian Russell Ford peacefully transitioned to her eternal home on Saturday, July 17th, 2021. Lillian, was born on June 20th, 1942 to the late Melvin and Viola Russell in Bronx, New York. She was predeceased by her loving daughter, Nadine Russell; son, Jerome Caldwell Sr; and brother, Melvin Russell.

Lillian started her diverse career with the Virginia Health Department where she assisted with starting the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in Norfolk, Virginia. After a 13-year career with the Virginia Health Department, she started a new career as a Cargo Scheduler at the Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia where she retired from the federal government after 22 years of civil service. After retirement, her love for people led her to volunteer at the Supporting Transformational Opportunities for People (STOP) program in Norfolk, Virginia where she was later asked to join the staff and she worked there for 12 years.
Lillian truly loved her family, church, and community. In addition to being an awesome and irreplaceable mother to her children, she served as team mom for the Oakmont North Athletic Association in the 70’s; a member of the Oakmont North Senior Club for 20 years where she served as the vice president for 10 years; and a member of National Council of Negro Women Inc, Sisters in Action. She also served on many committees for her church, Ambassadors for Christ, Norfolk, Virginia.

She leaves to cherish her husband, Charles Ford; children, Lisa Caldwell, Alfred Caldwell, and Kalisha Welch; grandchildren, Venetta Thorpe, Elisha Thorpe, Jerome Caldwell Jr., Kyle Caldwell, Calvin Barksdale Jr., Melvin Caldwell, Lakesha Caldwell, and Kyron Johnson; siblings, Latifa ElHadi, Viola Russell, Rita Russell, Lewis Russell Sr., Lidwina Fuller, Texeria Alston, and
Helen Russell; and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family members.

She will truly be missed by her family and friends.

No Viewing Memorial Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Monday, July 26, 2021 4:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 *Masks Required*

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Condolences(7)

  1. reply
    Tonya C McLaughlin says

    She had a heart of gold. Ms.Lil you were like a second mom. You will be truly missed. Fly high

  2. reply
    Judith Walston Henderson says

    It hurts….this hurts. My heartfelt condolences to Charles,Lisa,Kalisha and the family. This really hurts. God bless you and keep you.May you find comfort as well as strength in the words of our lord and savior during this most difficult journey. This right here hurts.

  3. reply
    Joyce Skinner Dawson says

    My heartfelt condolences to your family. May God bless you and keep you during this most difficult time. The Skinner Family

  4. reply
    Modell whitehead Lewis says

    This was a shock to me me as I got a phone call Sunday evening ) Ms Ford and I was in the Oakmont north senior club she was down to earth and a good friend I will miss you no one to laught with or talk to or eat that good food you fix so sleep on my sister one day

  5. reply
    Rita Marie Russell says

    Matriarchy Elder Big Sister Lillian We loved You, and You will truly be missed. We will always cherish THE RUSSELL’S FAMILY REUNIONS.(rip) my Big Sister Lillian ⚘

  6. reply
    Finese Williams says

    Seeing her picture doesn’t sit well with me… She was a special woman..we used to have game night and we had several laughs… tell my grandma I miss her… love y’all dearly

  7. reply
    Latoyia jaycion murphy says

    Seeing your picture on here don’t feel right…you will forever have a special place in my heart…I will forever remember your smile and you at the table giving orders making sure things was great you was an amazing woman and I will forever love and respect you. Rest easy Mrs.Lillian Ford we love you and will miss you dearly

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