Mrs. Johnnie Dorothy Ford, age 91, of Hope, Arkansas entered the gates of heaven on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.  Dorothy was born on January 12, 1928 to Michael and Lois Winberry.  She was a member of First Baptist Church where she loved the time spent with her ladies' Sunday School class and her church family.  Dorothy retired from First National Bank in Hope.  She worked in the Proofing Department for many years with some of her closest friends.

She was an avid fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and enjoyed going to games; especially, the old Southwest Conference tournament held in Dallas at "Barnhill South".  Her love for sports started early in life. She was a "Big-Time" scorer for Bodcaw High School.  Once she joined the Women's Army Corps (WAC) to serve her nation during the Korean War, she was able to continue her love for the game of basketball.  While playing for the WAC basketball team in Fort Benning, GA, she once scored 46 of the team's 62 points to defeat Fort McPherson.  She was asked to join a women's traveling team called "The Red Heads"; however, her parents told her not to do it.  While in the Army, she met and married her husband, Robert Ford, who preceded her in death.  After his death, she continued to raise her six children by herself.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and by a grandson whom she dearly loved, Jay Beard.

Dorothy is survived by her brother, Joe Winberry(Ann) of  Gravel Ridge and her six children: Lois Coleman (Virgil) of Fayetteville, Bobby Ford of Rockwall, Joey Ford of Hope, Cindy Bass of Hope, John Ford (Norma) of Bauxite and Jo Beth Compton (Tom) of Bismarck.  She is survived by her grandchildren: Courtney Beard, Adrian Bass, KiAnn Woodruff, Tanner Bass, Perin Ford, Jessica Thornton, Jared Compton, Skye Stevens, Starr Stevens, Allison Dyer, Mark Coleman, numerous great-grandchildren and was overjoyed by the one on the way.  Dorothy had a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Dorothy's pallbearers are very special to her.  They include: Tanner Bass, Hayden Thornton, Jared Compton, Tyler Fleming, Jordan Polk and Gabe McCarty.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, March 15, 2019, at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest at 1001 South Main Street in Hope, Arkansas 71801.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest with Bro. Stan Parris and Bro. Lane Garner officiating.  Burial will follow at Corinth Cemetery in Bodcaw with military honors.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of BRAZZEL/Oakcrest.  The online register can be found at www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.