JoAnn Batie Ford

JoAnn Batie Ford was one of nine gifts born to Cecil Andrew Batie, and Susie Wright Batie. She was born in Warren, Arkansas, and moved to Indianapolis in 1940. She graduated Shortridge High School in 1956. JoAnn attended Ball State University and Indiana Central College. JoAnn was a musician, an actress, and an incredibly gifted singer. She loved to play piano, sing, laugh, travel, play cards, and spend time with friends. Philadelphia became her place of residence for a good portion of her adult life. While there, worked for the School District of Philadelphia for 22 years as a Library and Information Specialist. At the same time she raised her four children and maintained a household as a single mother and professional. JoAnn also completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at Antioch University Philadelphia. She taught class and Library Science for the Philadelphia Public School System, The Palmer Business School, and the University of Pennsylvania. She performed with the Mose Ladderson players and with the Paul Barker Band. JoAnn also performed for the Theater Center of Philadelphia, The Stage East Repertoire Theater, and many more theater companies and radio stations across Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. She studied voice at Temple University, and later joined the Philmont Opera Company. In 1990, she moved back to Indianapolis and worked for the Indianapolis Public School System as a Media Specialist. She had many “Treasured Friends.” JoAnn was nominated 2008 Woman of the Year in Education by the American Biographical Institute, and she was a proud member of the Lexington Who’s Who, and the First Baptist Church of Indianapolis. JoAnn was preceded in death by John (Tiny) Batie, Marion Townsend, and Richard Batie. She is survived by her children Anthony Erroll Adams (Cynthia), Carlton Gentry Ford, Carol Lorene Harris, and Charles Leroy Harris. JoAnn is also survived by her loving siblings: Clarence Batie, Wilma Greene, Harold Batie, Norma Alvey, and Warren Batie. Her grandchildren: Maryangela Smith, Marquita Cook, Anthony Adams II (Megan), and Nyani Totty. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends. JoAnn was a loving Mother, and always willing to help those in need. She will live on in memory.