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Jillian Ford
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Jillian Ford Obituary
Jillian Carter Ford, PhD, of Smyrna, GA, passed away on October 3, 2025. Born on September 20, 1978, in Ithaca, NY, she was the youngest child of John L. and Hilary Ford.
Her magical presence, kind essence, and sweet generosity uplifted others. Jillian's life focused on trying to fix the brokenness around us. She shared her academic knowledge and energetic activist-spirit while educating broadly, exposing injustices, and helping others heal. Jillian's scholarly career was infused with the joy of liberation, equity, and social justice. She bravely addressed the problems of racism, patriarchy, and homophobia. At the same time, she nurtured community and loved people in every space she chose to fill.
Jillian taught at the high school, college, and graduate level for 25 years. She dedicated her life to others. She motivated, supported, and mentored people from all walks of life. She worked tirelessly to fine-tune her craft, through arduous study, classroom teaching, and community organizing. Jillian consistently challenged conventional narratives and insisted on truth-telling. She studied African American history in college. Both her master's and doctoral degrees were in education.
She is survived by her partner, Lena Hamilton (Decatur, GA); parents (Atlanta, GA); sister, Alison Sarah Ford; brother, John Lewis Ford (Marcela Sanchez); nephew, Davis Ford Balan; and niece, Carter Rosalie Balan (all of Minneapolis, MN). She was preceded in death by her late wife, Jamilah Singh.
Jillian's family and community will celebrate her life in December at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Charis Circle (CharisCircle.org), an organization in which she was deeply connected and one that mirrors her own values and beliefs.
Arrangements being made by Carmichael's Funeral Home, Smyrna, GA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jillian Ford
Sponsored by Carmichael Funeral Homes - Smyrna.
38 Entries
Thandiwe Meek
Earlier today
Rest easy my dear childhood friend...one of the original bathing beauties. To the Fords - I am deeply saddened by your loss, I will hold you all in my heart.
Cornealius Gay
Earlier today
We´ll all carry memories of her, but it´s that smile - so full of life and love - that will stay with us forever. A quiet reminder that she was here, and that she made the world better simply by being in it.
Mabel Welch
Earlier today
My deepest and sincere condolences on the transition of your darling Jillian. I feel honored to have known Jill as she honored me with her gratitude for the time we spent during our tenure at Boynton Middle School. Her zest and curiosity for life and knowledge was refreshing and gratifying. I know it is so distressing to endure this loss of your child, your sibling, your partner, and friend. I will always hold her in high esteem. I pray for your peace as you celebrate her life and memories.
Marie Hall
Earlier today
Jillian, I´m so thankful I got an opportunity to meet and know you. You were such a bright light and so passionate about the things you cared about. You will be truly missed.
Taura Taylor
Earlier today
JJ, your smile, your voice, your conviction is forever . I am so grateful for the brief soul connection ...hair, education, gardening, activism, and a pure radical love. Thank you for sharing your light.
Casandra Aaron
Earlier today
Ms. Jill you will truly be missed! You were an inspiration to me when I was your student and after. Love you!
Tracey Alviar-Martin
Earlier today
Sincere condolences to Lena and the Ford family. I will continue to be inspired by Jillian's courageous scholarship, her light, and friendship. Rest now, my dear Cinco sis.
Catherine/ Katie
Earlier today
Your love is / was beyond measure thank you for everything!! You made highschool world history/ us history cool. You made me love history even more and let me know it was okay to love it !!
Ion Vlad
Yesterday
An amazing, bright and warm human being. Jillian has inspired so many to care for others and improve society. A friend and educator who is irreplaceable and is going to be profoundly missed.
Sandra Riley-Brown
Yesterday
S.I.P Dr. Ford
It has been five years since our paths first crossed, yet your words of encouragement continue to resonate deeply within me . You had an extraordinary gift for inspiring others - for seeing potential where we often could not see it ourselves .
Your presence brought warmth, wisdom, and grace to everyone fortunate enough to know you . You will truly be missed by all whose lives you touched .
Thank you for the lessons you imparted , the love you extended , and the inspiration you left behind. Your legacy of kindness, excellence, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew you .
Rest peacefully, Dr. Ford . Your light continues to shine through us .
Asif Wilson
Yesterday
Rest easy Jillian. So appreciative of the time, mentorship, and fierceness you provided me and so many others.
April Warren-Grice
Yesterday
LOVE ALWAYS LIVES. Rest, my friend. I love you for always.
Steve and Barbara Brown
Yesterday
Our family sends our heartfelt condolences to Jill´s family. Jill was an integral part of our cul-de-sac family. We were lucky to have been part of her smiles and goodness.
sohyun an
Yesterday
miss you my dear friend... rest in peace...
LeeAnn Sanders
Yesterday
RIP Mrs. Ford. You will truly be missed by all who had the opportunity to have you in their lives. Thank you for the lessons, the love and the inspiration.
Mae
Yesterday
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ebony Capers
October 12, 2025
Love you Mrs. Ford. May you rest in peace. Still in disbelief about your transition. You've been a pillar in all our lives and I'll never forget you! Thank you for being my standing reference since TCHS. #Peace
Johanna Zeserson Stebbins
October 12, 2025
Our growing up together on Eastwood Ave was pretty idyllic. I always have, and will continue, to think of you often Jilly. You are a part of so many of us. I wish we had stayed in better touch as time went on. You are forever in my heart.
Carmichael Funeral Homes
October 12, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Cinthia Salinas
October 12, 2025
A brilliant light of kindness and humor and talents beyond words has left us-- hoping her light stays with us as we carry her memory forward. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Lisa B
October 12, 2025
She was truly a light that shined from within her heart. Thank you Jill, for giving your love to our family from the first days we met you.
Angelica Davis
October 12, 2025
Dr. Ford is the epitome of authenicity!
Angelica Davis
October 12, 2025
The epitome of authenticity!
Imani Evans
October 12, 2025
My heart is with Jillian´s partner, family, friends, and beloved community during this time of loss. Jillian's presence brought light and warmth to so many. She will be deeply missed and her impact will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all she touched.
Erin (Hill) Newman
October 12, 2025
Jill was truly one of the best humans on this planet. They were a bright shining light for our entire suite at UVa and were so kind, honest, and loving. They seemed to know everyone, and everyone loved Jill. I can't believe they're gone.
Sending so much love to her family and wife at this time.
Collette Carter
October 12, 2025
Sending my heart and Love to family and friends of Jillian.
An unmistakable force of truth justice and . I am so grateful to have had the chance to be blessed with Jillian's wit, wisdom and insight. Always a light in the darkness
Shaun O'Neal
October 12, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Ford family. Julian was such a beautiful soul.
Aisha Finch
October 11, 2025
I am reminded of Ocean Voung´s first novel: "On Earth We´re Briefly Gorgeous." That was Jillian. That gorgeousness poured out of her at every moment. She was a light, she radiated warmth and kindness, and she was fiercely committed to justice and freedom. Such a model for how to be a human in this cruel world. Even now dear JJ, you are leading us in light. I cannot convey how much you will be missed
Efia Miles
October 11, 2025
I met Jillian nearly 20 years ago through another dear friend and even though we didn't see each other often, she was always just a degree or two away through our shared community and I virtually followed the footprints she was making. Jillian could be counted on for some of the deepest dialog and belly laughs. Until we meet again, sweet soul. (Image of JCF at the Atlanta Jazz Festival with us in 2007)
Becky Rafter
October 11, 2025
My deepest condolences to Lena, the Fords, and all Jillian´s family, friends, students, and colleagues.
JJ, you prevailed in changing the world every moment you inhabited it. Your joy, fire, brilliance, fun, deep commitment, creative, and justice-loving nature will inspire me, always. Even as your spirit encircles us, I can´t imagine a world where you´re not in it. You are one of the Greats, my friend. Rest in power!
Este Jordan
October 11, 2025
Jillian, your warmth was truly infectious and brought meaning and purpose to every moment we shared at KSU. I´m so grateful to have experienced your light, your kindness, your generosity, and your dedication to making our community a better place. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Vicki Brooks
October 11, 2025
You had such a beautiful soul. You not only believed in equality for all but you fought for it. RIP. You´ll always be loved and missed.
Mari
October 11, 2025
You touched so many lives... My deepest condolences to Lena, and her entire family. Jillian brought joy to every room. We last worked on a BIPOC photo shoot during the pandemic and this was a candid moment from that day.
Corrie Fountain
October 11, 2025
You brought so much light and love to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting you. Your advocacy brought immense change and that work will not stop...you gave people the tools necessary to carry your torch. You will still inspire many. You are missed and loved.
Ashley Carmichael-Stokes
October 11, 2025
Rest well my SIEC siSTAR!
Lee Perryman-Conrad
October 11, 2025
You are loved and loved miss you more than tangible words can share! your light and marks will never be forgotten!
Regina Woolfolk
October 10, 2025
There were many sides to Jillian. She was a force to be reckoned with but yet she could be gentle and kind to others. Rest easy cousin Jill
Richard Yancey
October 10, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jill Ford. My condolences and prayers are with the family. Peace and Blessings!
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