Vivian Ford

Rev. Mrs. Vivian James (VJ) Ford
As We Remember Her
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10
In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare
a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto
myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
On January 14, 2020, her mother’s birthday, at 6:00 a.m., Rev. Mrs. Vivian J. Ford’s passage
was fulfilled. Jesus came and led her to her mansion that He had promised for her in John 14:2-4.
Rev. Mrs. Vivian “VJ” Ford was born May 10, 1945 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Eugene
James and Rosa Lee (Lighting) James-Thomas. The second child of four, the family were
members of Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church. Rev. VJ Ford was educated in both the Birmingham
and Homewood school systems attending Booker T. Washington and Rosedale School. After
graduating she attended Miles College and later Hartnell College in California. Rev. Ford wanted
to be a flight attendant (Stewardess back then) so she could travel, but she put that dream on hold
for the birth of her daughter, Clevetta LaVerene Yelder. Several years later, she would meet and
marry Joe Louis Jackson, an army helicopter pilot and to this union they were blessed with two
children: Jerross L. Jackson, and Jovett L. Jackson.
Because Joe was active military the family moved quite often but the longest assignment was in
Salinas, California were Joe was stationed at Ft. Ord’s military base. It was in California where
Rev. Ford started working in retail and was quickly promoted to a department manager with the
Emporium. While in California, she became a single parent and would start working for herself
in addition to her full-time job. She told her children, “as long as you can work, you don’t need
any government assistance, and don’t go asking for a handout.” Rev. Ford sold Amway, Avon,
Tupperware, and vacuums while attending night school. Not long after, she purchased her first
home and was determined to instill good work ethic, the love of God, and the fear of mom in her
children, and she did. The family joined St. James C.M.E Church, and here, Rev. Ford was
called, and ordained a licensed minister in the Lord’s Church.
Feeling the need to be closer to her mother, Rev. Ford sold her home (By Owner), and moved
her family to Birmingham, Alabama in 1978. She reunited with Payne Chapel A.M.E Church
and continued as a faithful servant working as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Director, and
Associate Minister. Rev. Ford had a love for children. She saw greatness in them, and she pushed
and encouraged them to always do their best.
On February 28, 1987, Rev. Ford would marry Will T. Ford, and they were married until his
passing on June 11, 2019. During this time, Rev. Ford would start her own real estate broker
company, LaBest Realty, pastor her own church, fellowship with her husband at his church, New
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, start a prison ministry called, Your Divine Wedding
Prison Ministry, and later joined Allen Temple A.M.E. under the leadership of Rev. Anré Faush.
While at Allen Temple A.M.E. she served as the Assistant Women’s Sunday School Teacher,
Superintendent of Vacation Bible School some summers, and she was part of the ministerial
staff. In addition to her commitment to her church, Rev. Ford also volunteered her time at
WBRC-Fox 6 Call for Action, she helped coordinate activities and special programs at several
senior centers in Bessemer and Birmingham, and she also served as Chair of the Alabama Faith
Council’s Work Group on Education and Children’s Issues. She worked on the Obama-Biden
campaign, and would later run for the Jefferson County District 3.
Preceding her in death is her brother, John “Sonny Boy” Holston, and sister-in law, Helen
Holston.
The memory of Rev. Vivian “VJ” Ford shall remain in the hearts of her children,
Clevetta L. Rogers of Kansas City, KS., Jerross Jackson of Atlanta, Ga. and Jovett Jackson of
Los Angeles, Ca. Her stepchildren Johnnie Ford (Mary) of Bessemer, Al, Peggy Turbow,
Bessemer, Al, Michelle Ford Bullock (Ezell) of Adamsville, Al, Katesha Ford of Dothan, Al,
LeShawna Ford Threatt (Jomine) of Bessemer, Al, Fredrick Ford (Cheno) of Hawaii, Ricky
Fuller of Trussville, Al, and Lorenzo Fuller of Birmingham, Al; one sister, Mrs. Vera (George)
Anderson of Birmingham, Al. one brother Michael James (Diane Patton) of Birmingham, Al;
one grandchild, Everett Rogers, a special niece, Mrs. Tracy Burkett and a host of nieces,
nephews, grandchildren and friends.
Ms. Miriam Terry, your labor of love shown towards our mother will always be remembered,
and we the family are truly grateful for you. May God continue to bless, comfort and keep you.