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The Rev. Irene Powell Ford of New Cumberland, West Virginia, passed away on Aug. 20, 2022. Irene was born on Oct. 6, 1927, the daughter of the late Clurel C. Powell and Lillian Violet Gaskins Powell Wallace. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Claudius A. Ford.
Surviving are two sons, Richard F. (Anne) Ford of Chester and Michael L. (Betty) of Jane Lew. Also surviving are her grandchildren Stephanie (Matthew) Jones of Chester, Michael Ford II, and Jamie (Gil) Haines, both of Bridgeport, W.Va., and Jennifer Wherry Ford of Canonsburg, Pa. She is also survived by her beloved great-grandsons, Gavin Haines, Niko Jones and Mason Ford, plus numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a stepsister, Beverly (Ezra) Swisher of Williamstown, W.Va.; a half-sister, Elizabeth Powell of Copely, Ohio; and a half-brother, Robert Powell, of San Diego, California.
In addition to her husband and parents, Irene is preceded in death by her granddaughter Erin Ford; grandson, Alex Ford; her stepfather, Chester Wallace; two sisters, Lorene Sesco and Marcelene Nicholson; and three brothers, Alvin Powell, Howard Powell and Sherman Powell. She was the last surviving member of her family.
Irene attended Doddridge County High School, and spent the fourth year at Central High School in Akron, Ohio. She graduated high school in 1945. After her marriage in 1946, Irene took courses at WV Northern Community College. During child-rearing years, she became involved in the Trinity United Methodist Church in New Cumberland and served in many elected positions. She also became involved in the Parent-Teacher Association, serving offices in PTA local, county and state. She served as state PTA president from 1975-1977. From 1979-1984 she served on the Hancock County Board of Education.
She served four years each as vice president and president of the Wheeling District United Methodist Women.
In 1984, she was appointed to serve as pastor of United Methodist Churches while continuing her college education at West Virginia Wesleyan College and five summer studies at Duke University. She was ordained a deacon and associate member of the WV Annual Conference n 1992.
From 1984-1989, Irene pastored the Bristol Charge, which consisted of four churches -- Bristol, Grass Run, Wolf Summit and Coplin. In 1989-1994, she served the Christ Owings Charge which included Christ, Owings and Saltwell in Shinnston, W.Va. In 1994-1996, she served Washington Lands & Graysville Calvary, near Moundsville, W.Va. After her retirement, she served Nessly Chapel UM Church in New Cumberland from 1997-2007.
Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Turley Funeral Home in New Cumberland. Visitation will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church Aug. 27, 2022 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. Viewing will also be held at Coplin Cemetery.
Officiator will be Pastor Sharmune Burgess and the Rev. Robert (Bob) Staub, former pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church.
8/25/22