Jodi Nikol Ford

Jodi Nikol Ford, age 41, and a lifelong resident of Ocean Springs, went to heaven to wait for her mom on Sunday, September 5, 2010. Even though Jodi lost her yearlong battle with Ovarian Cancer, she remained a true inspiration to her family and friends. Jodi graduated from Ocean Springs High School and participated in Special Olympics. After graduation, Jodi was accepted at Singing River Industries in Pascagoula in a new training program for outside employment. She worked at Burger King for 5 years. When Checkers was built in Ocean Springs, she was hired there, and worked faithfully for 16 years. Jodi was a dedicated employee who did not like to miss work and took great pride in her job. Jodi loved to walk the bridge with her mother and continued to do so long after being diagnosed. It was a special time both of them treasured. Jodi is survived by her mother, Gloria Parker Ford; her father and stepmother, Wayne and Diane Ford; her sister, Sherre Ford Bennett (who helped raise her), brother-in-law, Scott Bennett; her brother, Shannon Ford and sister, Natalie Ford. She is also survived by her niece, Alexandria Nikol Bennett and her nephew, Zachary Ford Bennett; and James and Martha Thames her surrogate grandparents. She leaves behind her best friend and the love of her life, Jerry Ely. Jodi has many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss her smile and who will love her always. One special friend is Kaye Carter. She is preceded in death by her grandparents; Arnold and Vera Parker and Jerome and Florence Ford. Special thanks to Michell Parker Harvey, who was Jodi’s advocate and her “special angel”. The family expresses words of appreciation to Jodi’s nurse, Debbie Hall, and all the employee’s at Camellia Hospice; also Dr. Finlay; Dr. Vice; and Dr. Finan her Mobile Oncologist and Surgeon. A Celebration of Jodi’s Life will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 800 Porter St., Ocean Springs, MS, Thursday, September 9th at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, and with hopes for a cure, the family prefers donations to be made to: USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, USA Office of Development, In memory of Jodi Ford, 307 University Blvd. N, TRP Bldg.III, Suite 2150, Mobile, AL 36688-0002. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.