Lloyd Tevis Ford

October 19, 1940 was a day of importance to EArnest Ford and Geraldine O'Bannon; their oldest child, a son- Lloyd Tevis Ford was born. Lloyd attended, and was baptized into the St. Matthews M.B. Church Family. His early days of education was also through St. Matthews, and later in Jackson Public Schools. 

His childhood was like that of most for his time- his generation: many home did not have indoor plumbing (bathrooms), telephones or televisions, not all families owned a car and for those that did, a gallon of gas only cost eleven ($.11)  cents. What sounds like "meager" beginnings was really what gave Lloyd the drive to want to do-and- be-better.

Fueled by his desire to "help his family make ends meet" Lloyd decided to go out on his own, and, with his five siblings (Douglas, Jean, Gary, LG (Sonny), Patricia) under the nurturing care of their maternal grandparents the late Rev. Martin and Mother Laura Small O'Bannon, he was ready to conquer the world (or so he thought).

It was following a recent "WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE" with his brother Sonny that Lloyd recounts his employment as a caddy with Colonial Country Club (at the age of 14) as one of his proudest moments as a youth. He always found fulfillment (and solved the problems of the world) walking from their former home on Edwards Avenue in Virden Addition, to the Club and back every single day without harm. Compared to today's youth, to Lloyd's 14-year old self, this speaks volumes. 

Lloyd was strong-willed,yet compassionate; this gentle giant loved watching a good round of gold, NASCAR auto racing, and knowing the mechanical operations and problems of motor vehicles. 

Early into adulthood he met the beautiful Eva Jean Gipson (who affectionately calls him ("Bo") and continued wanting the better life with better job opportunities. Bo and Jean married and relocated to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1963.

These Twin Cities as they're so fondly known, were much different in 1963 than the stories we are seeing as part of today's current events. After several jobs in Construction and Manufacturing, Lloyd retired in 2008 after 47 years of service. In 2011, they returned home in Jackson, Mississippi. 
It is in Jackson, that on Friday, June 12, 2020 Lloyd joined their son Randy, his mother, Mrs. Geraldine Young, his father Mr. Earnest Ford, maternal grandparents: Rev. Martin and Mother Laura O'Bannon, and paternal grandparents Mr. Dick Ford and Ms. Amy Harper. 

Lloyd's Life and Memories will forever be treasured by his beautiful Eva Jean Ford, his 3 brothers, 2 sisters and their families; also Jean's 5 sisters, 2 brothers and their families, our great Skyline Drive neighbors, community, and friends and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended friends.