Celia Ford known to her friends and family as Betty was born on August 9, 1930 in Detroit Michigan to Ernest and Celia Abernathy. She became a teacher at the age of 17 after receiving special permission from the governor for being under age. After she married, she started a family and moved to Phoenix in the late 1950's. She continued to teach 4th grade, and then 2nd grade. In total, she taught in the Glendale School District for over 30 years. She was an active member of her church and an active member in the Fraternal Order of Eagles club in Sunnyslope. She enjoyed travelling, playing bingo, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She is survived by her four children, Celia, Janet, Bobby and Paul; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren. She was always there for all of her family with a helping hand. She had a huge heart, had many friends and family members, and she will be missed by all. A Celebration of Life will be held at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 2 pm with a visitation beginning one hour prior.
