Ira Jean Fields Ford

Today we bid farewell and celebrate the life of a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Ira Jean Fields-Ford. Ira departed this life on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Ira was born December 2, 1944 in Austin, Texas at Holy Cross Hospital to the late Edgar Fields and Velma Overton Fields. She was raised in Austin, Texas and attended Austin Independent School District. She was a proud graduate of the Old Anderson High School, Class of 1963, where she served as the class reunion president. She received her associate degree from St. Edwards University. Ira accepted Christ at an early age at Ulit Baptist Church. Later, she joined First Baptist Church, where she served as the Junior Mission President. She later joined St. James Baptist Church where she was a faithful member until her health failed. Ira was employed with the Austin Independent School District for over 30 years, she received many awards and accolades throughout her career. She started her career working as a teacher's aide at Blackshear Elementary, Oak Springs Elementary, Rosewood Elementary, and retired from Pecan Springs Elementary. On July 1972, Ira met the love of her life, Mr. Ronald Robert Ford. They had a loving and kind relationship. Together they raised three amazing daughters; Marcy "Me Me", Velma "Re Re", and Amy. When she thought of her family, it made her think of God's Word. It says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the woman who has his quiver full of them;" Psalms: 127. Our home was filled with strong family ties, Christian values, love and discipline. Most of her young adult life Ira spent traveling and cruising with her husband, and meeting people all over the United States. Ira's love for family was an inspiration to all and she never met a stranger. Whenever someone was in need of encouragement or a kind word, she was there. Ira was a very strong and kind woman. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to all who knew her. Ira was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marci Lee Hope Cyphers. Ira leaves to cherish her precious memories Her loving and devoted husband- Ronald "Ronnie" Ford; Her loving daughters- Marcy (George) Bible, Velma "Re-Re", and Amy Fields, all of Austin, TX; One son- of Gary Gordon (Sabrina) of Houston, TX; Step-daughter Theresa McGregor; One brother, Edgar Fields Roswell, GA; One brother-in-law/caregiver- David Ford; Other Daughters- Kirsten Lee and Kim Lockhart; God-daughter- Jacqueline Franklin; Grandchildren- Ashley, Deadrick, Jeremy, Daniele, Dayron, Paul, Jr., Iralynd, Trumaine, Lil.Gary, Gabrielle; Two Great Grandchildren- Ladarian and Joslynn; Nephews- McKinley, Nicholas, and Christopher; Nieces- Tiffany, Marticia, Joicelyn, Carmen, Darielle and Raquelle; Special friend/neighbor- Yolanda Calderon; Her rolling buddies- Mrs. Rosemary Alston & Ms. Margaret Easley; Her traveling buddy- Mrs. Claudia Rosignon and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.