Reverend Irene Powell Ford of New Cumberland, West Virginia, passed
away on August 20,2022. Irene was born on October 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 fifty-two 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, WV
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 ‘step-sister, Beverly (Ezra) Swisher of Williamstown,
WV, 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 step-father, Chester Wallace, tw
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, 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 19.84-1989, 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, WV. In 1994-1996, she served Washington Lands & Graysville
Calvary, near Moundsville, WV. After her retirement, she served Nessly Chapel
UM Church in New Cumberland from 1997-2007.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 26, 2022 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Turley Funeral Home in
New Cumberland. Visitation at Trinity United Methodist Church, August 27, 2022 from 10 am until
time of service10:30 am. Viewing will also be held at Coplin Cemetery
Officiator will be Pastor Sharmune Burgess and Rev. Robert (Bob) Staub, former pastor of Trinity United
Methodist church.
.
o
