"Liz" Mary Elizabeth Ford

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Ford, a lifelong resident of Pascagoula MS, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024.

She was born in Mobile AL on March 4, 1938. Liz graduated from Pascagoula High School and the University of Mississippi. While at Ole Miss, she served as President of the Delta Gama Sorority and the Women’s Student Government Association. Liz was predeceased by her parents, James Ira and Rena Murphy Ford, her brother, James “Jim” Ira Ford, Jr., and her brother-in-law, Thomas G. Horne, Jr. She is survived by her Two sisters, Rena Ann “Nan” Ford, New Orleans, LA; Marie “Ree” Ford Horne, Inverness MS, and one brother, John M. “Cap” (Donna Hawkins) Ford, Vancleave MS; Nieces: Marie Ford Horne, New Orleans LA; Jennifer I. Ford (James) Byrd, Cincinnati OH; nephew Thomas G. (Martha Pratt) Horne, III, Inverness MS; great-niece Morgan Elizabeth Horne, Inverness, MS; sister-in-law Sandra Parsons Ford, Melbourne, FL, and many cousins and close friends.

Liz retired after 41 years as Vice President of a worldwide Steamship Agency and was recognized as the first female Steamship Agent in the United States. She spent her adult life volunteering for many community development and historic preservation initiatives. Her efforts were vital for the preservation and revitalization of downtown Pascagoula, the preservation of the beloved Round Island Lighthouse, and the preservation and subsequent conversion of the old Pascagoula High School to homes for many senior citizens.

One of her most beloved projects was the LaPointe-Krebs House and Museum. Her role was essential in saving this landmark not only once but also a second time after being damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Less than two years after her retirement, Hurricane Katrina hit and destroyed Liz’s home. She rebuilt her home and subsequently spent the next 17 years volunteering with the City of Pascagoula, the Historic Preservation Commission, Main Street Pascagoula, Pascagoula Strategic Plan Steering Committee, and the Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society. She was active in the Pilgrimage Garden Club,20th Century Club, PHS Ladies Lunch Brunch, the Singing River Little Theatre Association, and the Thursday Bridge Club.

In addition to volunteering Liz served in leadership roles on many boards including the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Heritage Trust, Main Street Pascagoula, Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society, Our Lady of Victories Parish Council, University of Mississippi Alumni Association, and the FEMA Task Force following Katrina.

Other honors and recognitions received include a 10-year term as President of the LaPointe-Krebs Foundation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Mississippi Heritage Trust Hero, a certificate of appreciation from the Chevron NMTC Fund,  Main Street Pascagoula Board Member of the Year, Main Street Pascagoula Betty Bensey Community Award, Mississippi Main Street Special Service Award, and the Historic Preservation Medal presented by the National Daughters of the American Revolution in recognition of outstanding achievement in historic preservation. Liz, a former Queen of Joy for the Young Men 39’s Business Club (YMBC), was presented the YMBC 39;s Lifetime Community Achievement Award at the 84th Coronation Ceremony in 2024.

Liz was known for her love of family and friends, Ole Miss, as well as Pascagoula and all its citizens. She will be remembered as a gracious iconic southern lady who had encyclopedic knowledge of local history, worked hard as a volunteer, and was passionate about saving historical landmarks for future generations.

Visitation will be at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Pascagoula MS on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 2:00 PM. with Father Adam Urbaniak officiating. Interment will be at Krebs Cemetery in the Ford family plot at 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, 503 Convent Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39567, the LaPointe-Krebs Foundation, PO Box 561, Pascagoula, MS 39568, or the Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society, PO Box 984 Pascagoula, MS 39568.

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