Barbara Joy (Jarnigan) Ford

Barbara Joy Jarnigan Ford was born on June 25, 1938 and passed away on March 30, 2024. We will celebrate her life at Colbert Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, April 3. Visitation will be from 11-1 with the service at 1:00.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Donald Ford; parents, Roscoe and Ora Lee Jarnigan; brothers, Ray and Hollis Jarnigan; and sister, Earsel Jarnigan.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Ford Tipps and Cheryl Ford; grandson, Ford Tipps and wife, Ericka; great-granddaughters, Collins and Riley Tipps; sister, Ella Mae Malone; and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Joy and Donald lived a wonderful life together for almost 65 years. They were born a week apart and passed from this earth within three weeks of each other. We know that reunion was a sweet one.

Joy loved her family and was always there for them. Her devotion was most clearly seen in the loving care she and Donald provided for their daughter, Cheryl, in the 24 years since her life-altering car accident. Joy attended countless school and sports activities for both daughters and her grandson and could be counted on to make every Christmas special, as it was her favorite holiday. In recent years she looked forward to the time she spent with her great-granddaughters.

Joy was employed by Shoals Hospital (and then Humana Shoals) for many years, retiring after Cheryl’s accident and becoming her caregiver. She talked often of her time there and the friendships made and enjoyed.

She cherished her church family at Spring Valley Baptist Church, where she had been an active member for almost 60 years.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joy’s memory to the charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Joy (Jarnigan) Ford, please visit our floral store.