Frances Warnell Ford-Warner was the oldest of ten children born to Frank Marion Ford and Mary Ella Smith, February 18, 1925 in Grandin, Florida. Frances departed this earth May 28, 2026.
Frances attended Elementary - Middle School in Putnam Hall. Frances attended High School in Palatka, Florida while she attended school there, she stayed with Mrs. Sherman and her Aunt Ethel. Frances attended the Central Academy (also known as the Old Central Academy High School). Established in 1892. Central Academy became the first accredited African American high school in Florida in 1924. On November 12, 1998 it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Frances graduated from Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida and worked as a school teacher in the state of Florida School System.
Frances moved to New York in the early 1950’s. She was a single mom to three children: Linda, Beverly and Robert (deceased). She met and married Webster Warner, Jr. (deceased) in 1960. Two children came from this union: Webster Wayne (deceased) and Karen Yvette (deceased).
When Frances first came to New York she worked as a live in maid. After her marriage to Webster she moved to the Bronx, New York. She worked for the New York City Transit Authority as a Railroad Clerk, the title now known as Station Agent.
Frances was reared by a God fearing mother. She learned to say her prayers at an early age. As a child she was taught to read her bible and to treat others as she wanted to be treated.
Frances was an active member of Mother Walls AME Zion Church in the Bronx, New York where she served faithfully. She was a prayer warrior and sang soprano in the choir. Frances served on the Pastor’s Aide Board and was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. The late Rev. Idonia Stewart, Pastor of Mother Walls AME Zion Church at the time proclaimed Frances to be one of God’s Peacemakers.
After Frances retired she returned to Putnam Hall to help care for her elderly Mom. She reconnected with three of her sisters Bertha, Jane and Ona Mae, her nieces, nephews, grandchildren, cousins and friends.
Frances regained her membership in the church of her childhood, Abilene Missionary Baptist Church, Putnam Hall, Florida. She served faithfully. Frances was a faithful member of the Prayer Band and that bond was never broken even after her mother’s death and she moved to New Jersey to live with her daughters Linda and Beverly.
Frances would stay sometimes with her niece Sonia in the Poconos. She began worshipping with Reaching Out For Jesus Christian Center. She was a member there until her passing.
Frances was kind, gentle and generous! She was known to slip a bill into the palm of your hand “just because.” She was a blessing to so many people and she was a comedian. She was playful and witty! You could not stay around Frances with a long face. Her antics and comedic style brought joy to so many people. This is the Frances we knew and loved.
Frances was preceded in death by three of her children: Webster Wayne Warner, Karen Yvette Wilson and Robert Edward Ford.
Frances leaves to mourn her passing her daughters Linda Ford, Freehold, NJ and
Beverly Martin, Freehold, NJ, her brother Henry Lee Ford, Glendale, MD, sister-in-law Queen Ella Ford, Sicklerville, NJ., daughter-in-law Cecelia Ford, Bronx, NY, son-in-law Anthony Wilson, Alachua, FL, 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
