Erdie Jane Ford

She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and humble spirit.

Erdie was born in Newsoms, Virginia to Robert Britton Flythe and Doris Ann Flythe. Her parents introduced her to the Lord at a very early age. She was baptized at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Newsoms. Erdie was a member of Freewill Baptist Church in Freeport, New York, where she served in the nursing unit and sang on the RA Ensemble Choir. She led the choir in praise and worship by singing devotional hymns to the Lord.

Erdie attended Southhampton Training School in Courtland, Virginia before earning her EKG Technician Certificate from Miller Mott Technical College in New York City. She was a distinguished employee of New York Cornell Hospital for over 40 years performing EKG’s and Stress Tests.

Erdie loved doing crossword puzzles, singing, dancing, and bowling. She enjoyed eating at Red Lobster and one of her favorite things to do was to eat a Jim Dandy ice cream at Friendly’s. Erdie had a close relationship with her cousins Mamie Simmons and Diane Meriweather. The three of them loved spending time together and shopping at Fortunoffs. They proudly shared that they are double cousins, with their mothers being sisters and married to two brothers.

Erdie is mother to Tonja Michelle Flythe-Harkless (deceased), Brandon Earl Whittle (Laura), and Dr. Sandra Yevette Ford. She is survived by her brother Harry Flythe (Sandra), and her grandchildren, David Green, Chantel Whittle, Davon Flythe, and Anthony JahPriest Foreman. Erdie loved her siblings Robert Flythe Jr, Andrew Flythe (Freddie), Faye Carolyn Flythe, and Kevin Flythe (Hope) who proceeded with her into glory. She leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

From Erdie:

When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we are far apart, for every time you think of me I’m right here in your heart.

Visitation will be held at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm. A Funeral Service will take place following at 3:00 pm.