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.
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Tonya C McLaughlin says
July 21, 2021 at 1:12 pmShe had a heart of gold. Ms.Lil you were like a second mom. You will be truly missed. Fly high
Judith Walston Henderson says
July 21, 2021 at 1:19 pmIt 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.
Joyce Skinner Dawson says
July 21, 2021 at 1:33 pmMy heartfelt condolences to your family. May God bless you and keep you during this most difficult time. The Skinner Family
Modell whitehead Lewis says
July 23, 2021 at 8:04 pmThis 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
Rita Marie Russell says
July 24, 2021 at 12:50 pmMatriarchy 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 ⚘
Finese Williams says
July 25, 2021 at 4:22 pmSeeing 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
Latoyia jaycion murphy says
July 26, 2021 at 3:40 pmSeeing 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