Laura Ella Durant Ford was born in Epps, Alabama on Feb. 11, 1920 to David Richardson and Mary Hellen Lewis Durant. She grew up in Uriah, Alabama.
Laura is survived by her daughters, Laura Dean Ford Friedrich (Corydon Emory Friedrich) and Hellen Elizabeth Ford Sandoe; her granddaughters, Stacey Elissa Sandoe (Richard Lee Lile) and Michal Ford Friedrich Slovick (Ronald Wiet Slovick); her great-granddaughters, Jordan Elyssa Allen and Cassidy Rae Allen; her great-grandsons, Benjamin Alexander Slovick and Charles Friedrich Slovick. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Edwin Roy Ford; and numerous Ford and Durant nieces and nephews.
After 41 years of marriage, Laura's husband, Curtis Scruggs Ford, preceded her in death in 1986, just two months before his retirement from active pastoral ministry at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Bay Minette, Alabama.
Laura was also predeceased by her brother, David Richardson Durant Jr.; her sister, Mary Hellen Durant Beckett; and her two younger brothers, Lewellyn Leslie Durant and Lewis Durant.
Laura graduated from Uriah High School in 1938 and entered Judson College in the fall of that year. She transferred to Montevallo College, now Montevallo University, in 1939 and enrolled in the College of Home Economics. She graduated from Montevallo in 1942, having earned a degree in merchandizing with a minor in art.
Laura lived a long and fruitful life. She graced her family, church, community and the wider world with her deep faith in Christ, her great love for all people and her many talents and skills. She enriched the lives of all who knew her, and she was well loved and appreciated by all who knew her.
Laura departed this life peacefully on Jan. 19, 2017 in Spanish Fort where she lived her last years at Westminster Village. Her daughters, Elizabeth and Laura Dean, were at her side. The morning of her death was a time of scripture, songs and prayers.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Spanish Fort United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Interment will follow in Bromley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Blue Lake Camp, 8500 Oakwood Lane, Andalusia, AL 36420, or The United Methodist Children's Home, 3140 Zelda Court, Montgomery, AL 36106.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532, 251-990-7775, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
