Mrs. Willean Ford Hicks

Willean Ford Hicks was born in Madison, Arkansas on July 23, 1946, as the first-born child to Otha Ford and Georgia Rivers Ford. During her lifetime, she inherited a rich legacy of faith, family, character, music, leadership, and philanthropy. Willean was a loving mother, a cherished and devoted grandmother, an incredible great and great-great grandmother, a beloved sister, a doting aunt, and a dedicated friend. Willean's spiritual upbringing began at the Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church in Forrest City under the pastorate of Reverend H. R. Hunt, where she accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at an early age. During her childhood years, Willean's vocal talents were exceptional and evident, and her affinity for music was nurtured and later developed. As a teenager who wholeheartedly embraced church, her leadership skills became visible as she assumed the responsibility of directing the Rising Sun Youth and Adult Choirs. During her membership at Rising Sun, Willean served and sang in the choir under the late Rev. H. R. Hunt, the late Rev. Armstead Slayton, and Rev. John Strong, Jr. In the early 2000s, Willean would join the Riverside M. B. Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Marland Brown and the current pastorate of Rev. Terrence Burgess. At Riverside, Willean’s anointed singing and melodious voice would be heard on Sunday mornings as she sang in the choir and praised God in songs. Her gift for music was influenced by so many artists and subsequently led her to affiliate with musical groups such as The Chosen Ones, the YBA Community Choir, and the Forrest City Gospel Four. Willean’s time at Lincoln High School marked a pivotal chapter in her life, where she was introduced to new perspectives and transformative ideas. Under the guidance of Ms. Charlene Warren, the school’s music Instructor, Willean developed a lifelong mentorship that deepened her love for singing. She came to see her vocal talent not only as a gift but also as a form of worship and a means of connecting others to the Savior. With this sense of purpose, she committed herself to refining her musical abilities. Along-side music, Willean’s enthusiasm for basketball flourished, sparking thoughtful conversations about the sport’s legends and their impact on the Golden State Warriors. A proud member of Lincoln High School’s Class of 1965, she maintained a deep loyalty to her alma mater and her identity as a Lincoln Tiger. Willean’s life was a testament to her perseverance, faith, and enthusiasm as she lived life to the fullest. Her professional journey spanned multiple organizations, including General Industries (GI), Reltoc Manufacturing Company, and the home health industry, culminating in a well-deserved retirement. In addition, she dedicated herself to notable philanthropic service to Kids for the Future, Saint Francis County Food Pantry, Ronald McDonald House, and various musical performances. She received accolades from various organizations and was crowned Ms. Rhythm of Gospel 2015 in Birmingham, Alabama. She had a devout passion for gardening, fishing, and crocheting. Willean embodied a unique blend of dignity, elegance, courage, faith, and strength, earning her a lasting and celebratory reputation as a pillar of the community. Her legacy will be defined by her kindness, poise, sense of humor, and steadfast commitment to her Christian faith. On Friday, May 2, 2025, at CHI St. Vincent North in Sherwood, AR, Willean peacefully transitioned to her eternal home. She was reunited with her parents: Otha Ford and Georgia Rivers Ford; her sisters: Carolyn Rivers and Otha Mae Ford; and her daughter: Sharon Charisse Tabron. Her memory will be forever cherished by her loving children: Paul (Sundrell) Tabron of Houston, Texas; Rodney Tabron of Forrest City, Arkansas, Peggy (Leonard) Swift of Marion, Arkansas, and Torrey (Candice) Norman of Forrest City, Arkansas. She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Erica Harris of Little Rock, Arkansas, Adam Blake Taylor of Atlanta, Georgia, Arielle Kirkwood of Houston, Texas, Kameron Tabron of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Sydnee Swift of Dallas, Texas, Nicholas Swift of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kafeli Pace, Sharon Norman, Vivian Norman, Jael Norman, and Torrey Norman, Jr., all of Forrest City, Arkansas. She was further blessed with eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Willean is also survived by her devoted sisters: Alice Faye Ford of Forrest City, Arkansas, Peggy Seals of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Linda Hare of Marion, Arkansas, as well as survived by her brother: Willie Ford. She shared a special bond with her godchildren: Eliax “Tony” (Yjuania “Jeanette”) Jenkins of Forrest City, Arkansas and Sandra (Percy) Atwater of Marion, Arkansas. Her legacy will live on through a host of favorite nieces, adored nephews, other beloved relatives, and dear friends.

Mrs. Willean Ford Hicks

July 23, 1946 - May 2, 2025