Emma Jean (Villines) Ford

As a young woman, she was a member of the Salvation Army Band and the Evansville Rescue Mission. At age 14, she met the love of her life, J.B. Ford, whom she married on October 29, 1949. Together they raised four children. Emma also cared for many other children as a babysitter in her home. She lived a life of service as a pastor’s wife for 30 years.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Ford; son, Keith (Terri) Ford; brothers, Frank and William “Billy” Villines; and brother-in-law, Robert Wilson, Sr.

She is survived by her sisters, Nellie (Alan) Ours and Pamela Wilson; sisters-in-law, Donna Villines and Kathy Villines; children, Debbie White, Vickey Crouch, and David Ford; grandchildren, Kristin (Jaret) Strickland, Allison (Jason) Whitledge, Elizabeth “Katie” (Doug) White-Lack, Rebecca White, Jessica White (Jason Wiggins), Lacey Loucks, Jackie Sue Loucks, Amber (Shawn) Stone, Hannah (Paul) Lewellyn, and James Cameron Michael Ford; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, January 19, 2017, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Rev. Jeffrey Stratton, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit Wednesday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evansville Rescue Mission, 500 East Walnut Avenue, Evansville, IN 47713. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.