Nancy "Elaine" Ford of Sulphur Springs, Tennessee, passed away on November 26, 2023.

She was born in Jonesborough, Tennessee on June 3, 1940, to the late William "Bill" Jones and late Elsie Jones. Elaine had three siblings: Carolyn Jones (Allen Jones), the late Larry Walker, and the late Judy Sparks. She attended Sulphur Springs School, and following graduation, she went on to work in the Washington County, Tennessee education system. She Worked at Sulphur Springs School and Daniel Boone High School as a secretary, where many remember her for her kind, loving demeanor and thought of her as a second mother. She then went on to work for the Washington County Board of Education for the Superintendent, and concluded her career in education with the Johnson City Schools Human Resources Department.

Elaine met the love of her life, Bobby Ford, in grade school, and the two married shortly after graduation on July 24, 1959. Bobby and Elaine were married for 64 wonderful years. Aside from being husband and wife, those who knew them always described them as best friends, with their faith and love of God at the foundation of their marriage.

Elaine's children meant the world to her. She is preceded in death by her beloved son, Bart Ford. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Robin Ford and daughter-in-law, Dorma Ford. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Elaine's favorite role was that of "Nana". She treasured her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her granddaughters, Heather Metcalf (Cody Metcalf), Amber Sahyouni (Randy Sahyouni), Julia Ford, and special step-granddaughter Ashlee Cardwell (Bobby Cardwell), and her grandson Will Ford (Brittany Greene). She is also survived by many great-grandchildren: Reagan, Raleigh, Kyleigh, Easton, Blakely, Myles, Ezra, Liam, and Eli.

Elaine was an active member of Sulphur Springs Global Methodist Church and enjoyed serving her community. Elaine had many wonderful friends in the church and considered so many of them family.

Elaine will always be remembered for her compassion, kindness, and unwavering faith. We couldn’t have asked for a better wife, mother, Nana, and friend and will miss Elaine every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Washington County EMS, Ballad Home Health, Ballad Trauma team, Katie Beth Watts, and Tamara Egerbred.

A memorial will be held on December 10, 2023, at 1:00p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Methodist Church to celebrate her beautiful life. Donations to Sulphur Springs Global Methodist Church or St. Jude's Children's Research Foundation in Elaine's honor are appreciated in lieu of flowers.