Dorothy Grey Best Ford

Dorothy Best Ford, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, in her apartment at The Claiborne Assisted Living, Gulfport, Mississippi.  She was born September 20, 1931, near Goldsboro, NC to the late Tempie Lee and Hubert Best.  Dot's family were tobacco farmers and both parents had passed by the time she was 14. 

Despite a difficult childhood, she pursued her education, eventually earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from East Carolina Teachers College, today recognized as East Carolina University.

She taught school at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. It was here where she met her future husband and married Harvey L. Ford Jr in 1956.  Dot was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, supporting her family despite many moves for her husband's career.

Dot radiated through her many hobbies. An avid quilter, she crafted beautiful baby quilts, making many for the NICU at Gulfport Memorial Hospital alongside her quilting group, the Serious Quilters. Over the course of more than a decade, they generously donated over 300 quilts each year to support premature infants. A crafter and seamstress, Dot, along with her sisters, delivered 1,700 pillowcase dresses for little girls through the Hope for Women International.

Dot played tennis at the Bayou Bluff Tennis Club, where she and her husband were active members. The simple pleasures of playing cards, dominos, and Bingo with friends at The Claiborne provided her with much camaraderie in her later years.

 She is survived by her loving daughter, Susan (John) Watts, of Gulfport; her son, Lloyd (Dee) Ford of Gulfport; her grandchildren, Mary Kate (Victor) Hughes of Ft. Belvoir, VA, Megan Watts of Brooklyn, NY, Erica (Emily) Parker of Plainfield, NJ, and Martin Ford of Bowie, MD; as well as her great-grandchild, Ellie Mcleskey of Brooklyn, NY, and step-great-grandchildren, Kaylah, Jordan, and Joseph Hughes.  Her sister Janet (Harry) Rolison of Winston-Salem, NC.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Harvey L. Ford Jr., and her parents Hubert and Tempie Lee (nee Gardner) Best, her sisters Mary Rose Best Casey, and Shirley Best Rippe.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of The Claiborne Assisted Living and the Vital Caring Hospice Workers and Aides for their unwavering care during Dot's final days. As we reflect on Dot's extraordinary life, we celebrate the resilience and love she exemplified—a true legacy that will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Per her wishes cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers memorials in her name can be made to a charity of your choice.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is proudly serving the Ford family. Memories and condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com