Fannie Mae Ford, 90, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Marshall County Hospital.
Fannie was born on January 8, 1936, in Calloway County, Kentucky, to the late Roy Scott and Cozy Mae Garland Scott. She graduated in 1955 from Almo High School. On December 29, 1956, Fannie married the love of her life, Herman Ford. From that moment forward, they began their journey through life together, eventually growing their family with the addition of their two children, Cindy and Roger. In 1970, she began her career in Benton as a Marshall County Deputy Clerk, where she worked for 30 years before retiring. Throughout their years together, Fannie and Herman remained each other’s biggest supporters. Even during Fannie’s years as Deputy Clerk, she spent many evenings and nights working alongside Herman, supporting and assisting him in his role as Marshall County Jailer.
A long-time member of Walnut Street Baptist Church, Fannie’s faith was an important part of her life. She remained an active and devoted member of the church, always finding ways to serve others. Her gift and passion for cooking and baking led her to spend many years among the ladies who prepared meals and potlucks for the church. Whether she was preparing a meal for her church family or her own family, Fannie found joy in expressing her love through her cooking.
Fannie was also a talented seamstress who took great pride in the time and meticulous effort that went into everything she created. She could often be found sewing, creating beautiful dresses not only for her children and grandchildren, but for anyone else whom she could help. Through her cooking, sewing, and many other acts of kindness, Fannie had a special way of showing others how much she cared.
Above all else, Fannie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She never had a negative word to say about anyone, and her sweet personality and positive outlook meant that she could almost always be found with a beautiful smile on her face. Regardless of their age, everyone knew her as “Granny Fannie,” a name that reflected the love and kindness she shared so freely with others. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched and whose hearts she made brighter.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of the caring staff members and residents at the Stilley House Assisted Living in Benton for all of their love and support for Fannie and Herman over the last two and a half years.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Wells (Greg) of Trenton, Tennessee; her son, Roger Ford (Laurie) of Benton; seven grandchildren, Hope Davis (Dwaylon), Ashley Oakley (Steve), Tyler Ford, Alli English (David), Amy Sykes (Cody), Chad Wells (Sherry), and Amanda Zill (Brad); twenty great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Herman Ford; four brothers, Elvin Scott, R.C. Scott, Marvin Scott, and Roy Scott, Jr.; and one great-granddaughter, Isabella Grace Oakley.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in support of her great-grandson, Kaden Edwards, by making donations to the McCracken County Special Olympics, 218 Cody Cooper Road, Ledbetter, KY 42058, or to The Marshall County Exceptional Center, 198 Old Symsonia Road, Benton, KY 42025.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, with Bro. Joel Frizzell and Bro. Greg Wells officiating. Burial will follow at Benton Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Fannie’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.
