Mary Josephine Ford

Mary Josephine Dodson Ford, “Josephine,” peacefully passed on to heaven on November 19th, 2016 at her home in Madison, VA. Josephine was born to the late Minor R. Dodson, Sr. and Fannie T. Dodson on June 23rd, 1930 and resided in Culpeper, VA as a child until marrying the late Joseph Aaron Ford on October 14th, 1950. She served as a devoted wife for 56 years. Many loved ones preceded her in death which included: her brothers Richard H. Dodson (Dick), Robert L. Dodson (Bob), Otis R. Dodson, C.R. Dodson (Bum), M.R. Dodson, Jr. (Shine), Jane D. Rodgers, Roberta Hankins (Bert), Frances Glasscock, Alma Bennett and Ellen McDaniel.

Left behind to live out her legacy are her three daughters and their spouses, all of Madison, VA: Jo Ann Ford Addison and Les Addison; Elaine Ford Bunch and Doug Bunch; and Fannie Ford Utz and Ronnie Utz. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Betty-Jo Wynham and her husband Andrew, Aaron Bunch and his partner Curtis Sheets, Lauren Bunch, and Brandon Utz. Two step grandchildren Robert Addison and Jeff Addison along with his wife and two children Carlee Beth and Ben. Her great-granddaughter, Josephine Catherine Wynham (Josie Cate), provided many special moments during the past two years and will carry her name on. Additionally, sister-in-law Annie Ford Weaver along with numerous nieces and nephews survives her.

Josephine was a dedicated and hard-working employee in every job she possessed including her service at J.J. Newberry’s in Culpeper and working in the cafeteria for Madison County Public Schools. She spent a significant number of years working at Madison General Store. Along with her husband, she owned and operated Madison Exxon and J& J Grocery, two well-known businesses in Madison, VA.

Her primary life joys and passions included preparing and hosting meals for her family, gardening, canning, quilting, knitting, shopping and traveling to Pennsylvania to visit her brothers. Josephine was a biological mother to three girls; however, she served as a maternal figure in the lives of numerous relatives and friends. She never missed an opportunity to embrace and love those in need and always placed others above herself. Her home was one with an open door which immediately upon entering felt welcoming and comfortable.

The family would like to extend deep gratitude and appreciation for the personalized care and compassion that was provided to Josephine from Laurinda Shifflett, Kate Tharpe, Bonnie Nicholson, Jackie Nicholson, Hospice of the Piedmont, Dr. Richard Brantley and Dr. Mark Prichard. The family is forever grateful for the impeccable care received.

Family and friends are invited on Monday, November 21st to Clore-English Funeral home in Culpeper, VA to visit with family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22nd at the Robinson River Primitive Baptist Church in Brightwood, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Josephine may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

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