Maybelle Ford

Maybelle Buchanan Ford, 76, of Gulf Breeze, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on July 25, 2013. Maybelle grew up in Americus Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Elementary Education. Go Dawgs! Upon graduation she moved to the beautiful white beaches of Pensacola. Maybelle immediately took to enjoying her surroundings by gardening and making fast friends. After 26 years of teaching, she retired to spend time with her husband, Howard. They resided in Gulf Breeze all 23 years of their married life. Even after retirement Howard always chuckled when Maybelle continued to sharpen her teaching skills by correcting him in jest. Maybelle had a twinkle in her eye at all times and was known for her wicked quick wit. She was everything Southern under the sun. She adored her pets and loved the great outdoors. Nothing made her happier than cultivating her garden and rooting the impossible. She may have loved the feel of the soil between her fingers but she also relished a new set of polished nails. She was the queen of accessories, shopping and socializing. She was a Docent at The Zoo for many years, was extremely proud to be a member of the Pensacola Beach Women's Club and was a true blue sorority sister of Alpha Delta Pi. In her younger years, she loved the art of playing Bridge. In Americus, she and her partners in crime were once dubbed the "Bridge Playing Mommas". Maybelle made life-long friends and was known for her gift of bestowing nick names. Maybelle and Howard enjoyed being members of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church. They enjoyed many friends from the congregation and still appreciate all of the loving support members and staff have given them through the years. The care and consideration from extended family, healthcare givers, and wonderful friends has been greatly appreciated and very touching. Maybelle was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Maybelle Buchanan of Americus, Georgia. She is survived by her husband, Howard Ford, children, Frank (Meredith) Davis of Gulf Breeze, daughter Genie (Eric) Beall of Fairhope, AL, step-children, Howard and Rick Ford of Orange Beach, AL. Her "dahling" grandchildren, Hayden & Hunter Davis, Davis and Sam Beall. Her loving sisters Cookie Whiting and Betty Anne (Dave) Burlingame; along with many precious nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church. Friends and church family are invited to a visitation and reception immediately following the service in the Music room. A private burial for Maybelle will be held on Friday, at 10:15 AM in Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church for Senior Adult Ministries or charity of choice.

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