Mrs. Billie Jean Boulware Gregory Ford was born October 27, 1932 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to the late Wardell and Clara Kilpatrick Boulware . She was a 1950 graduate of Atkins High and later matriculated to Winston Salem Teachers College( now Winston-Salem State University) where she majored in Special Education.

Mrs. Ford lived and worked in New York for fourteen years before returning to Winston-Salem. No matter where she lived she thrived. Spiritually, she was a former member of Goler Memorial AME Zion Church and later changed her membership to Mt. Zion Baptist Church. ln the community, she was a member of the American Business Women's Association.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 1 ^st husband Johnny P. Gregory and her 2 ^nd husband, Thurmond A.Ford; one son Randy Parham; siblings, Marshall(Katie) Boulware, Velma(Russell) Crews, Wardell (Janie) Boulware, Dorothy(Lewis) Dockery, stepdaughter, Jennifer Ford; step granddaughter, Farran Davis, great grandchildren, Mason Baker and twins, Kris and Kristen Baker; son-in-law Donald Baker.

Mrs. Ford was loved by all especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She departed this life Thursday April 27, 2023 at her residence.

She is survived by her loving children Yancey Gregory Sr. of Salisbury, NC, Angela Baker of Winston-Salem, NC and Jean Miller of Rural Hall, NC; step daughter Denise Ford of Winston-Salem, NC; step son Roger(Brenda) Davis of Stone Mountain, GA; eleven grandchildren, Derek Porter, Tara Thompson, Yancey Gregory, Jr., Wakenia(Ravon) Tapp, Jameil Baker, Jonathan Gregory, Donee Baker, Ebony Miller, Briana Gregory, Elijah Gregory and Keshawn Little Miller; seven great grandchildren, Micah Kernes, Lauryn Jackson, Tootie Tapp, Noah Baker, Olivia Baker, Layla Jackson and Kayson Gregory; a host of nieces, nephews including devoted nephews, Lewis( Jenna) Dockery, Charles (Tammie) Dockery, devoted nieces, Twyla (Keith) Cathion and Linda(Paul) Cloud; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday May 3, 2023 in the chapel of Hooper Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:30pm-2:00pm at the funeral home. Her remains may be viewed Tuesday May 2, 2023 from 9am-6pm.

Our family extends special thanks to Dr. Lester Boyd, Dr. Serenus Churn Sr. and the Mt Zion Baptist Church family, Hooper Funeral Home, the Broadbay Heights community and to all our family, friends and neighbors.