Obituary of Claudell Marie Ford-Williams

Claudell Marie Ford-Williams, age 63, died Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at her home in Little Canada. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, March 5, 2012 at True Spirit Ministries, 1114 Payne Avenue at Jessamine Street, St. Paul, with the Reverend Frederick Newell, officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church (10-11 AM). Interment Elmhurst Cemetery Serving as pallbearers will be Arthur Stephen, Gary Ford, Eric Harris, Robbie Powers, Alonzo Jackson, and Raymond Ford. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Keith Ford, Justin Morgan, Lee Ford, and Nate Brown. Claudell Marie Ford-William was born February 5, 1949 to Ophelia and Daisy Ford in Alexandria, Louisiana. She was the second oldest of five children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ophelia and Daisy Ford; twin sister, Maudell Cox; special cousin, Cecelia Brown; two brothers-in-law: Ronald Powers and Ernest Snell. Claudell accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at North Central Baptist Church under the leadership[ of Reverend Leroy Gardner. She later joined True Spirit Ministries where she served as activity coordinator, usher board member, choir president, and youth Sunday school teacher's assistant. She was called the "Big Cheese" because she always gave orders and the orders were followed. Claudell married Sylvester Williams July 8, 1998. She is survived by her husband, Sylvester Williams; children, Anthony Ford (Kathleen), Alicia Jefferson, Juanita Ford, Keith Ford, Ayesha Gilbert; stepchildren, Lorine Williams, Irene Robinson, Travis Tennin; sisters, Julia Snell, Sharon Powers; honorary sister, Mary Newell; brother, Burnell Ford; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces; 9 nephews; and a host of great-nieces, nephews., cousins and friends. Arrangements entrusted to the Spielman Mortuary