Etta Joan Ford

Sunrise 1937                                                                                                           Sunset 2023

Etta Joan Ford was born December 8, 1937, to the late Joseph Ray Thurman, and Roseanna Crump Thurman. Affectionately known as “Fannie” to friends and family, she peacefully passed away Sunday October 1, 2023, at age 85. Fannie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold Preston Ford, grandson David Starks,  stepdaughter Andrei J. "Pandy" Ford, and brothers Barry, Joseph and Gary Thurman.

Fannie graduated from the historical Crispus Attucks High School. After high school, Fannie entered the Health Care Food Service profession.  She was employed as a culinary specialist and supervisor for Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Winona Memorial Hospital. At Winona Memorial Hospital, Fannie created popular recipes which carried her name.

After retiring from Winona Memorial Hospital in 2004, Fannie found time for national and international traveling with multiple family and friends.  Fannie enjoyed time with family, watching movies, listening to gospel music, cooking and sharing ethnic recipes, participating in water aerobics, Facebook, and activities at the Peace of Mind Adult Center.

Fannie confessed her life to Christ at an early age. To know her was to love her. She always had an encouraging word, wisdom to impart, and her faith in Christ to share. Fannie leaves to cherish in memory her son Dwight Montel Cooper, daughters Tonya Vashuan Starks Booker, Rita Joan Carothers (Anthony); bonus children Shana Ford Gogoua (Ouahi "Richard"), Mary Ford, Preston "Rico" Ford Jr, Damon Smith, Perry Smith (Angela); Godchild Major Ford; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; sisters Saundra Thurman Custis (Dwight), Patricia Elaine Thurman, and Roseanna Tanner (Michael) and brothers Barry (Vivian), Joseph & Gary Thurman; and lifelong friends Gladys Kennedy and Betsy.