Juanita Marie Ford

Juanita Marie Ramey was born to the union of Luvenia and Roosevelt Ramey on January 20, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois.  She was the third of four children born to Mrs. Ramey, who was previously married.   Both of her parents, and all of her siblings, preceded her in death.  Juanita received her elementary (Brown) and high school (McKinley H.S.) education through the Chicago Board of Education.  She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in English from, what was then known as Chicago Teacher’s College, now Chicago State University. 

Juanita accepted Christ at an early age, following and serving her church first in Chicago.  When she moved to Michigan, Juanita joined and served Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in South Haven, Michigan.  She later joined Bravo Community Church in Bravo, Michigan where she worshiped and served until the Lord called her home.

Juanita was married to Edward R. Cooper in 1945.  He preceded her in death in 1969.  To this union two sons were born; Phillip S. and Kenneth J. Cooper.  Her son Phillip preceded her in death from COVID a year ago.   She later married Lydell Ford of Fennville, Michigan and was blessed with 10 step children.  He also preceded her in death.

Juanita lived her adult life in Chicago, Illinois but traveled to Covert/South Haven, Michigan to visit her mother and other family members who had moved to the area.  She worked for The Easter Seal Foundation, the Chicago Board of Education, and Carson Pirie Scott as a bridal consultant before her retirement.  

Juanita was THE consummate BRIDGE player and anyone and everyone who knew her knew that about her.  A member of several Bridge clubs in Chicago and in Michigan, she was always ready for a game.  She hosted game parties and was invited to many, not turning down a chance to play her favorite game.  She never came empty handed but always with treats in hand.  She was still playing Bridge when her health began to fail.

Juanita was always a contributor to the church and its members.  She often provided meals, snacks and goods for the church gatherings and provided goods for the rummage sales.  She was considered the church ‘grandmother’ to most of its congregants. One of the most appreciated contributions that Juanita made was to recite her poetry, all of it meaningful and inspirational.  She would write endlessly until each piece was perfect.  Juanita read as vociferously as she wrote.  Books, spiritual tapes, and verse filled tablets overflowed her library in Fennville.

Juanita spent her final years at the SERENITY ADULT FOSTER CARE home care facility in South Haven, Michigan.  While there, she enjoyed the trips to the ice cream parlor, sitting on the front porch watching the ducks in the pond, and the company of the other residents.  A special ‘Thank You’ to Ms. Sharon Wilson and her daughter Annie Massey for the excellent care that they provided Juanita.  That care helped to sustain her and extend her life past her 96th birthday.

A very special Thank You of love to Ms. Bobbie Jean Sanders who was a constant in Juanita’s life.  Picking her up for church service, taking her to the grocery store or just sitting with her wherever she was residing, Bobbie Jean was never too busy or too bothered to be attentive.  A debt of gratitude which can only be attributed to the goodness of God!!

Juanita leaves to praise her life and mourn her death her son Kenneth J. Cooper; grandson Kenneth E. Cooper (Jennifer); great grandson Sterling Ross Cooper; daughter-in-law Patricia B. Cooper and granddaughter Ashley Cooper; nieces, nephews, and cousins that she helped raise; second and third generations of family members that she kept in contact with, and friends wide and far. She also leaves to mourn a special son Harry Rawson and wonderful neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Stennett.

The family wishes to thank ALL of those who contributed in any small or monumental way to the love, care and friendship extended to Juanita Marie Ford.  May God continually bless you.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the Bravo Community Christian Reformed Church in Bravo. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family's online guestbook.