Debbie Ann Ford

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted follower of Christ, Debbie Ann Ford, passed away peacefully on March 19, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service.

Born on October 19, 1952, in Texas and raised in Plano, Debbie graduated from Plano Senior High School in 1971 as an honor student, proudly earning two “P” Awards for her achievements. During her school years, she shone both academically and artistically playing clarinet and french horn in the band and lending her voice to children’s and teen choirs. Music was a joyful constant in her life; she even performed on the State Fair's mobile stage as part of her choir travels.

At just 9 years old, on an Easter Sunday, Debbie’s life was forever changed when she was led to the Lord by her Aunt Ceal, a missionary with Stonecroft Ministries. That moment sparked a lifelong devotion to her faith and her church, where she remained active in ministry throughout her life.

Debbie met the love of her life, Lee Ford, at a street dance at the end of her sophomore year of high school. They shared junior and senior prom and, soon after graduation, were married on July 9, 1971. They honeymooned in Estes Park, Colorado, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 54 years of love, partnership, and adventure.

Debbie and Lee bought their first home on Raintree Lane in Plano. They later relocated to Allen shortly before the birth of their daughter. They built their custom home at Rush Creek Drive in Allen with the help of Debbie’s father. They completed construction just 2 months prior to welcoming Rheagan, on January 16, 1980. From that day on, Debbie embraced her role of being a mom.

Debbie’s first job was with the Plano Chamber of Commerce, where she played a pivotal role in the campaign to bring the city’s first hospital to life. She later worked as a skilled legal secretary at E.F. Edwards, known for her typing and meticulous work ethic.

After Rheagan arrived Debbie had a thriving home business with Beauty for All Seasons, teaching women about coloration through makeup and skincare. Once Rheagan was older, Debbie helped run Ford’s Furniture, the business she co-owned with her husband, Lee. She became certified as an interior designer and contributed her talent and energy for many years.

Her life was one of service and joy. Debbie stayed active in children’s ministry and took several mission trips, including unforgettable journeys to Scotland and later to Hawaii.

She cherished her family deeply, and nothing made her heart fuller than being “Dedee” to her five grandchildren: Jackson, Harrison, Wilson, McKinley and Truman born to Rheagan and her husband Steve.

Debbie and Lee shared a love of travel and exploration, visiting 36 national parks and various parts of Europe, always hand-in-hand, building a treasure trove of memories along the way.

To know Debbie was to feel her warmth, her strength, her humor, and her unwavering faith. She lived a rich, full life and was dearly loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Celebrate Debbie’s life with us, Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/dallasnetexas?form=FUNXNDBNWRP or the BrightFocus Foundation for Alzheimer's Research Brightfocus donations