Biography: Jo Ellen Ford passed away August 28, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family and friends and was received into Heaven by her Savior, Jesus the Christ, to experience His unimaginable love, mercy, and kindness.  They have walked together for over seventy years and her life has been a true testament of His goodness.

She was born to Edith Kilcrease Wilbourn and Hugh Randolph Wilbourn, Jr. in Fort Smith, Arkansas on April 3, 1937, and was soon joined by her sisters, Mary Nell Wilbourn Shaw and Beverly Wilbourn Pascoe, and her brother, Randy.  Jo Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Nell.

She attended school in Fort Smith, Little Rock, and Sheridan before graduating from Conway High School in 1955 with the love of her life, Joe T. Ford.  She and soon-to-be husband, Joe, graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in 1959. A whip-smart and hard-working natural leader, she served as the President of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and graduated Summa Cum Laude and first in her college.  Her family is quite certain that after familiarizing herself with Heaven, she will assemble a scouting party to find her freshman French professor to dispute, yet again, the only B she ever received in school.

After seriously considering medical school, she intentionally decided to partner with her husband in building businesses (Alltel and later Westrock Coffee), supporting his political career, raising their children and grandchildren, ministering to friends, and teaching a weekly Bible Study Fellowship class to over 500 women. Unfazed by her earlier life decision, “Dr. JoJo” routinely administered medical aid and advice, most often to her grandchildren wounded in the bloody, imaginary battles that she herself orchestrated.

Jo Ellen believed the greatest way to impact the world was to introduce everyone to the gospel of Jesus. Through the kindness of small gestures and vigorous theological debate (with those who dared to play along), she engaged with individuals from all walks of life – from passing strangers to world leaders – each of whom she treated as just another wandering soul in need of a friend and an introduction. Her dignified touch, keen intellect, and humorous insights endeared her to everyone she encountered.
 
Throughout her life, she was committed to local institutions that improved the lives of Arkansans. Her thirty-two years of volunteer work at UAMS began when her mother and mother-in-law were suffering from Alzheimer’s and, in her own retelling, she walked into the Department of Geriatric’s and asked, “Can anybody help me?” They did.  That help lead to decades of Jo Ellen serving on the Foundation Fund Board, including a term as Chairman.  Along the way, she spearheaded the development of the Donald W. Reynolds Institute of Aging into one of the finest geriatric centers in the nation and received numerous commendations and awards for her service.

She leaves behind her husband of sixty-four years, Joe T. Ford of Little Rock, whom she admired, adored, and encouraged.  In turn, she received from him tender, selfless love and kindness through the travails of her dementia, embodying the old saying, “A man’s word is his bond.”

She also leaves behind her daughter Alison Ford Crawford (Brad) of Plano, Texas, and their sons, Jonathan (Sarah), Alan (Rena), and Drew (Emily); and her son Scott Ford (Dede) of Little Rock, and their sons, Sam (Bridget), Joseph (Kelsey), and Will (Rachel).
JoJo, as she was known by those closest to her, leaves as her legacy what will soon be thirteen great-grandchildren who become the third generation for whom she will remain the Pirate Queen – ruler of the imaginary realm of play and pretend, keeper of treasure and secret codes, defender of bravery and virtue, and sworn enemy of bad guys, poor sports, and cowardice.

The family would like to honor and thank those who poured their lives out in service to Jo Ellen over these past many years.  Her caregivers’ – Kathy Woods, Mike Jones, Kara Rhoad, Consuelo Mendenhall, and Deauna Flowers – selfless sacrifice reminded us daily of God’s great love, provision, and compassion and of the goodness He places in the hearts of man through His Son.

A memorial service in her honor will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 31st.  In lieu of flowers, if anyone wishes to make a donation in her memory, please direct same to The Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at UAMS. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com