Melda Joyce Allen Ford, 81, of Vineland, passed away peacefully Friday, December 9, 2016 at Inspira Medical Center Vineland surrounded by family. Joyce was born on February 6, 1935 in Erath County, Texas to Boyd and Jewel Kelly Allen.
Joyce was a native Texan who attended Santo High School. She married Wayne Ford in 1952 and they have three children. She received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Tarleton State University in 1978. She was a proud member of the first nursing class at Tarleton.
Joyce began working for Dr. Lasater of Mineral Wells, Texas when she was 18 years old. Dr. Lasater had a great impact on her life in choosing to become a nurse. A long career began in 1958 working as an Aide for $6 a day at Medical Arts Hospital in Brownwood. She worked for Dr. Lindley for two years. Joyce worked full time at Stephenville Hospital in the ER and Obstetrics as a LVN from 1974-1981. She credited Dr. Vance Terrell, Dr. Frank Terrell, and Dr. Jim Terrell for the encouragement to become an RN. At that point she began working in ICU, Pediatrics, as well as OB. She also worked for DeLeon Hospital, Hendrick Medical Center, West Central Texas Home Health and Girling Home Health.
Joyce loved growing plants and loved her church family at Faith Bible Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents Boyd and Jewel Allen, and a brother Jerry Allen.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Donna Ford Bailey and Kelly Ford Marsh; son Russell Ford; sister, Carol Lippe and brother, Danny Allen. Joyce also leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Bryan Bailey, Stephanie Ivy, Lauren Pope, Wayne Pope, Ashley Jones, Rusty Ford, McKenzie Ford, Rileigh Ford, Rachel Ford, Lucy Ford, Robert Ford and Katlin Scott, 4 great grandchildren: Aubree Ivy, Jadyn Ivy, Liam Ivy, and Chloe Ford and numerous nieces and nephews. At last but not least, her beloved Miniature Dachshund Brandy, who was her constant companion.
Joyce will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Lipan, Texas. A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday at 2 pm under the direction of Wiley Funeral Home, 400 Highway 377 East, Granbury, TX 76048.
