Ivy Mae Ford

Ivy Mae Murphy was born in Shepherd, TX to Levi and Ina Murphy on July 18, 1935, the oldest of four children. She began school in Pasadena, TX and her walk with God in Willis, TX; where she was baptized in Peach Creek around age 12. At the start of her junior year of high school, the family moved to Livingston, TX where she finished her formal schooling. Ivy, being the oldest, helped take care of her three younger siblings while her mother worked in the fields. After completing high school, she moved to Baytown, TX with a friend to attend Robert E. Lee Junior College, majoring in Business.

On May 8, 1954, Ivy married the love of her life, Theodore (Ted) Ford, in Baytown, TX where they had met. To the couple was born five children. Curtis in 1956, Landis in 1957, Michael in 1958, Theodore Roger Jr. in 1960, and Kathryn in 1961. As they traveled from location to location while Ted served in the Air Force, Ivy faithfully supported him and selflessly devoted herself to the children as they grew. The Air Force allowed Ivy to see many different locations, including Nevada, Mississippi, Florida, California, The Azores, Puerto Rico, and Spain. While in these many locations, Ivy developed a love of oil painting, taking classes in the Azores, Puerto Rico, and Spain.

The couple returned to San Antonio as the time of service in the Air Force drew to a close and Ivy served in the local church, and continued her education at San Antonio college, studying Art. She also worked as a substitute teacher and cared for Ted through many health struggles.

Ivy was a people person and a friend to anyone she met. She conversed with anyone who happened to cross her path, whether at the store, on trips, or at church. She also loved being around children and over the years became known as the church grandma.

She pursued many creative endeavors besides oil painting such as writing poetry, sewing, and family genealogy. Ivy enjoyed playing board games and gardening, but her greatest source of joy in life was the Lord, his church, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ivy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ted, and her eldest son Curtis. She is survived by her sons Landis (Sondra), Michael (Melody), Roger (Anastasia), her daughter Kathryn (Bill) Munoz, and her daughter-in-law Betty as well as 12 grandchildren; Heather (Rodney) Tucker, Chris (Ashley) Ford, Trey (Monica) Ford, Jason (Elisa) Ford, Nicole Ford, Micala Ford, Michelli (Alex) Keith, Alexander, Daniel, and Jacob Munoz, and Anthony and Daniel Ford and 10 great grandchildren. Other survivors include her three siblings Barbara Gage, Morris Murphy, and Betty Sue Overstreet, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins and her church grandchildren.

Austin area Celebration of Life services will be held at:

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 20231:00 PMWESTSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST3300 FM-1431ROUND ROCK, TX 78681

San Antonio area Celebration of Life services will be held at:

SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 20234:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST1710 W. LOOP 1604 N.SAN ANTONIO, TX 78251

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the World Bible School at the following address: World Bible School, P.O. Box 2169 Cedar Park, Texas 78630 or their website.