Bernard L. Ford was born to the late Maud and James Ford on June 15, 1921. He was raised in the Washington Metropolitan Area along with his four siblings. As a young child, one of his very first jobs was to light the gas powered street lights in the nearby neighborhoods. Bernard made it his business to make money on his bicycle by getting those lamps rolling! Like most children his age, he attended school and successful obtained a high school diploma from a public school within the District of Columbia.
Bernard took an oath to serve his country as a part of the United States Army on January 18, 1943. His first tour of duty took him to the foreign lands of Burma India. His exemplary demeanor earned him a good conduct medal and the distinguished Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory medal. He was honorably discharged on January 5, 1946.
Bernard would boast that he found the love of his life in the person of Sarah F. Davis; so it made sense that they would be joined in holy matrimony in the year 1951. They became the proud parents of seven children: Bernard Jr., Keith,
Lisa, Kirk, Dream known as Marsha, Sarah and James. He loved his children and enjoyed them his grandchilren until God called him home.
Bernard's face and personality are staples among the D.C. public libraries where he worked for many years. He found pleasure in giving reading material to children from his book mobile. His retirement in 1974 freed up additional time for him to do two things he looked forward to: playing a round of golf at the Langston Golf Course and engaging in a good game of cards with friends!
Our Lord took Bernard to rest a while with him, Saturday, April 26, 2014. He leaves to cherish his life: a devoted wife, Sarah; 6 children; 15 grandchildren; and a host of additional relatives, friends and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his son, Benard, Jr., and granddaughter, Angela Belk. His memory and love will never be forgooten.