Virginia Wilkie Ford

​Virginia Wilkie Ford, 97, died on March 4, 2022, at Pineville Rehabilitation and Living Center surrounded by her family and friends. She was well-loved and known for her readiness to connect with others through her prayers, her songs and her light heart. 

​One of sixteen children born to Charlie and Kate Wilkie in McCormick County, South Carolina, Virginia was fourth from the youngest in her family. She was married to Henry Ford for 71 years prior to his death in 2016, and they had 6 children: Gail Lackey, Rita Ackerman (Ken), Ruby Douglas (David), James Ford (Janet), Lana Brown and David Ford (Kathy). Virginia is the grandmother of 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

​Virginia was the best cook ever! Slow-simmered spaghetti sauce, fried chicken, cornbread and pintos, and meringue-topped pies: everything she made was good. Her family enjoyed three good meals every day, and there was always plenty for anyone who might drop by. It was a regular thing for her to have a pot on every burner, a baby on her hip, and something she had to grab from the oven before it stayed too long. 

Virginia was in her element with a new piece of fabric, a pattern, and a little time, and she could make a dress fit for a queen. She fashioned hundreds of perfectly-fitted dresses over the years for her daughters, herself and many others. Often breaking into song as she worked, she would spread the fabric and the pattern, several dinner knives tossed around to hold it all in place. After a quick turn with the scissors, she was off to the sewing machine, barefoot. Soon, the machine would be whining at its fastest speed. Next, a fitting, minor nips and tucks, and ironing it all in place. Then, a girl whirling in front of a mirror, beaming at herself in her new frock.

“Let’s all fly in and get this done!” Virginia led by example, with an easy confidence and rhythm in all her undertakings. It was a joy and a satisfaction to work alongside Virginia, as she wanted to “have something to show for the day.”

Virginia’s family was the joy of her life.  A devoted wife and mother, Virginia led a meaningful life right up to the end, creating love and bearing witness to all things good.  She was an attentive listener and a loyal friend, and she expressed her love for Jesus in word, in deed and in song all her long life.

Virginia’s family would like to thank the staff at Pineville Rehabilitation and Living for the loving care of our Mother.