Phyllis Gainey Ford, 83, of Rockingham, passed away Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
She was born Jan. 10, 1941 in Richmond County, daughter of the late Dewey E. Gainey and Tiny Morse Taylor.
Phyllis worked in banking in her earlier years and then served as a teacher with Richmond County Schools as well as Richmond Community College for more than 30 years. She was a dedicated educator and well-respected among her peers.
To her family, Phyllis was the “Boss,” being able to run and organize the family and keeping things together. She enjoyed being home, cooking, canning, quilting, crocheting and basket-weaving. However, one of her favorite things to do was fish — she loved to fish, especially at Lake Tillery, and never put anything back that she would catch. If she hooked it, it went in the bucket. Phyllis also enjoyed bluegrass music and dancing. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Vernon Ford Sr.; brother, Carroll Gainey; and sister, Hilda French.
Left to cherish her memories are her children, James Vernon Ford Jr. and Ray Alden Ford, both of Rockingham, and Phyllis Michelle Ford of Supply; grandchildren, April Ford, Alden Ford (Emily), Christopher Ford (Whitney), Charles Ford (Stephanie), Justin Gardner and Hannah Gardner; great-grandchildren, Harper, Owen, Ryley, Cathryn, Madyson, CJ, Kaylee, Landon and Londyn; sister, Sherry Nichols (Travis) of Rockingham; brother, Dewey Gainey of Wilmington; sister-in-law, Judy Powell of Rockingham; and numerous niece, nephews and extended family.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 from 1-2 p.m. at Mount Calvary/Rock of Ages Church. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 2 p.m., with the Rev. David Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Because Phyllis loved the mountains, the family requests memorials may be made to: Samaritan’s Purse/Western NC Relief at samaritanspurse.org.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ford family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
