Gwendolyn Sue Andrews Ford

Gwen Andrews Ford Austin - Gwendolyn Andrews Ford went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 2, 2023. Gwen, known as “GiGi” by her grandchildren, was a cherished wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. Gwen was born on August 13, 1938 in Bryan, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics with a focus in special education. Gwen was a Texas lady through and through. While working at the State Capital in Austin she met the love of her life, Davis Lee Ford, of Lubbock, Texas. They were married for 62 years, and have three daughters and ten grandchildren. Although she loved to say her grandchildren were her main hobby, her passions included gardening, travel, and any opportunity to serve others. Her best friend was her sister, Clarice Luhm, with whom she laughed frequently. Gwen held many responsibilities in the Settlement Club which supports the Settlement Home for Children, including serving as its President. She was honored to receive the “Women on Their Toes” award by the Ballet Austin Guild for her service. At the Settlement Home she found joy in everything from working with the young girls who were placed there by Child Protective Services, to being Chair of the furniture department for their giant annual garage sale. The Settlement Home Director commented that Gwen was an inspiration to other volunteers by taking on jobs, great and small, with grace and determination. While their daughters were in school in the Eanes School District, Gwen held many volunteer positions, one of the most memorable of which was serving as Chair of the Eanes School carnival. There were also many years of service with the Assistance League of Austin, St. David’s Hospital Auxiliary, Seton Hospital Auxiliary (with the Neonatal Unit), Austin Heritage Society (Home Tour Chairman), Laguna Gloria Women’s Art Guild, Riverbend Church, and the Texas State Board Baptist of Child and Family Services. Gwen gave her all to a diverse group of non-profits and helping others was how she spent her life. Gwen loved Tina Turner, gospel music, orange roses, her First Tuesday Group, and their Sunday School class, but GiGi's greatest love was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Maudine Andrews, her brother Billy Andrews, and nephew Dale Andrews. She is survived by her husband Davis, daughter Kelly Sharp and husband Kevin, daughter Kristy Knippa and husband Brad, and daughter Katy Metzler and husband Jon; and grandchildren Davis, Rylan and Lochlan Sharp, Ford, Kate, Cole and Chap Knippa, Jordan, Dylan and Trace Turbeville, her sister Clarice Luhm and husband Fred, and her niece Donna Andrews. We are especially grateful for the loving caregivers Tanya and Mellie, and the incredible care of Hospice Austin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Settlement Home For Children. https://www.settlementhome.org/donate/gift-memorial/

A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held on August 26th at 10:00 a.m. in the Smith Family Chapel on the Riverbend Church Campus at 4214 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, Texas 78746. Bright colors are encouraged!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Ford family.