LORETTA ELDIS FORD

Our beloved Loretta Eldis Andrews Ford was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. She was born on August 8, 1945, in New Bern, North Carolina, to the late Zorata Alexander Andrews and James Eddie Andrews. Loretta received her early education in New Bern attending St. Joseph's Catholic School, later renamed William Gaston Catholic High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1963. Inspired by a heart for service, she pursued clinical training and certification as a Nursing Assistant and began her healthcare career at Craven County Hospital (now CarolinaEast Medical Center) in New Bern. At the age of 19, Loretta relocated to Washington, D.C., where a new chapter of her life began. She met Jerome Leon Ford, and the two were united in holy matrimony on June 15, 1967, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. Their loving union was blessed with six children, all of whom she adored. Loretta was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and the foundation of her family. While raising her children, she remained committed to advancing her nursing career, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance and determination. Loretta earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential from the Martha Washington School of Nursing. She was employed at Rogers Memorial Hospital (later known as Capitol Hill Hospital) for five years before beginning a distinguished 30-year career at Hadley Memorial Hospital. Throughout her tenure, she faithfully served in the medical-surgical, pediatrics, medical clinic, obstetrics, and gynecology departments. Additionally, she was instrumental in opening an ICU department. Loretta later continued her compassionate service in skilled nursing, retiring at the remarkable age of 70. Nursing was more than a profession for Loretta-it was her calling. She cared for every patient with dignity, compassion, and genuine love, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. Loretta was known for her warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering kindness. She possessed a rare gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, pets or strangers, she had an incredible ability to connect with people and make them feel like family. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love, and her presence brought peace and joy to all who knew her. In her leisure time, Loretta enjoyed shopping, cooking delicious meals for those she loved, reading, talking on the phone with family and friends, and faithfully watching one of her favorite television shows, Law & Order. She was also the family's self-appointed photographer, always camera-ready to capture precious moments at every gathering, ensuring that memories would be treasured for generations to come. Loretta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerome Leon Ford; her mother, Zorata Alexander Andrews; her father, James Eddie Andrews, her brother, James Alexander, Sr., and lifelong friend, Mildred Gaskins. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her four daughters: Wanda Ford-Deans, Shanna Ford-Nesmith (Gerald) of New Bern, North Carolina, Donna Ford of Washington, D.C., and Tasha Howard (Tyrone) of Norfolk, Virginia; two sons, Marcus Ford (Cherie) of Suitland, Maryland, and Brian Ford (Amber) of Bowie, Maryland; one sister, Naomi Stevenson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; two brothers, Leroy Andrews (Linda) of Friendsville, Maryland, and Eddie Tyrone Andrews of Edenton, North Carolina; one brother-in-law, Joseph Ford (Barbara) of Fort Washington, Maryland; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Ford of Forestville, Maryland; sixteen grandchildren: Asia Dubose (Marquette), Bethany Ford, Brianna Ford, Brittney Ford, Brooklynn Ford, Byron Ford (Yasmine), Marcus Ford, Devante Summers, Braxton Nesmith, Gerald Nesmith, Jr., Kennedy Nesmith, Morrison Nesmith, Tiffany Nesmith, Isaiah Simmons, Joshua Simmons, and Tyrone Wilson; fourteen great-grandchildren: Astrid, Cayden, Ciani, Luna, J'Myra, Jabari, Kaiden, Kameron, Madison, Micah, Nyela, Tyrone, Uri, Zi'mora; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members including the Wall and Johnson families, and dear friends. She also leaves behind her beloved "niece of the heart," Elise White, and her cherished lifelong friends Jeanette Lee and Marie Cummings whose friendships blessed her throughout her life. Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Loretta's legacy of faith, compassion, strength, and unconditional love will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Her gentle spirit, caring heart, and beautiful smile will forever be with us. Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest peacefully in God's eternal embrace. You will forever be loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

LORETTA ELDIS FORD

August 8, 1945 - August 5, 2026