Christine was born in Hattiesville, Arkansas on May 10, 1940, the beautiful daughter of Fletcher Canady, Sr. and Letha Mae (Byers) Canady. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Elroy Canady and L.C. Canady, four sisters, Addie Belle Canady, Estella Mae Canady, Daisy Canady Donald, and Athlene Canady Garlington, and a nephew who was recognizes as a brother, Freddie B. Canady.
Christine accepted Christ at an early age while attending Friendship Baptist Church in Centerridge, Arkansas. She was educated in the public schools of Menifee, Arkansas, moving to Kansas City, Missouri in 1962 to pursue a better life. In September of 1964, she married Claude Ford, where they purchased and ran a successful business for over forty years. She accomplished many of her goals. She helped the sick as a Nurse Aid, graduated from Aline Jefferson Beauty and Cosmetology Academy in 1964 and taught others the ins and outs of running a business. She was a Business Woman and had many clients but her clients were her friends.
As a landlord she would help her tenants by being accommodating with the rent due date. She would give credit to a friend if they did not have money to pay. She would make house calls to the hair of sick clients. Their business was very welcoming, where many could gather at the shop and have a good time. It was a safe place to go after a long day's work, where you could have your hair professionally styled and enjoy a good laugh. Christine embraced and loved her customers, young and old and loved making them feel beautiful when they left. The success of Creative Boutique was impressive but her greatest accomplishments were being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. As a reward for working hard in their business, Christine loved to shop and travel and was a connoisseur of Saint John knit fashion wear and an expert of other fashion designers. She enjoyed sports and all types of music especially blues.
Christine's relationship with God was important after accepting Christ at an early age. She cherished her relationship to God and the Church. She attended Canaan Missionary Baptist Church under the stewardship of Reverend R.B. Poe followed by Pastor Tony Cobbins and Friendship Baptist Church under the stewardship of Pastor James A Terrence, Jr. She actively participated in the choir, faithfully participated in Sunday school and was a member of the Issachar sheepfold. When Christine fell ill, Deacon Raymond Davis, Sr. and his wife Irma Davis continued to minister to Christine and provide the Sacrament. The role and service of the Church uplifted her spirits.
Christine Ford leaves to cherish her memories, husband of forty-nine years, Claude Ford of Kansas City, Missouri; two daughters, Oneria Bell of Kansas City Missouri and Stephanie Friends (Wayne) of Buena Park, California; one son, Travis Canady of Kansas City, Missouri; two brothers, Fletcher Winn Canady, Jr. (Melanise) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Welton Foster, Jr. (Willie Jo) of Damascus, Arkansas; one sister, Josephine Canady Grandberry of Kansas City, Missouri; sister-in-laws, Modiller Canady of Morrilton, Arkansas and Louise Canady of Indianapolis, Indiana; two brother-in-laws, Douglas Lamar Ford of Kansas City, Missouri and Leroy Ford of Kansas City, Missouri; six grandchildren: Tina, Mashanda, D'Andre, Lance, Samaria, and Shamar; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral Services for Christine Ford will be held on Saturday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 3530 Chelsea Drive. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at The Church. Interment, Forest Hill Cemetery.