Ila Rhee Small Ford's Obituary
Ila Rhee Small Ford, 91 years of age, passed away on July 10, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Rosharon, Texas. She was born December 17, 1930, in Harrison County, Texas, to Robert Leroy Williams and Eula Frances O’Neal Williams.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Calvin Small, husband Jack Ford, sisters Eva Nell Stratton and Betty Sue Kelso, and brothers Harry Dean Williams and Norman Williams.
She is survived by her daughters Melba McAteer and Peggy Lancaster (Tom), sons David Small and Jerry Small (Jan), grandchildren Stacy McAteer (Shan), Regina Kendrick (Ahmad), Chad, Lancaster, Chelsie Lancaster, and Rebecca Lancaster, great-grandchildren Brooke McAteer, Quinnlin McAteer, Ronan McAteer, Byron Kendrick, Noble Kendrick, Keilan Kendrick, and Ila Lancaster, great-great granddaughter Adelynn Padgett, sister Reba Gordon and brothers Clifford Williams, Charles Williams and Maurice Williams, nephews, nieces, and numerous friends.
Ila Rhee Small Ford, known to family as Grannie and Sweet Angel Cupcake, was a beautiful mix of strong-willed and tender hearted. She was a wonderful cook and genuine caregiver. She welcomed everyone to her table and baked love into every peach cobbler. There was nothing Ila Rhee loved more than Jesus and her family.
Though she will be sorely missed here on Earth, her loved ones find great comfort in knowing she is whole again and celebrating in the presence of the Lord.
The family will receive friends on Monday, July 18, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 10 a.m. in the Rader Funeral Home chapel in Longview with burial immediately following at Cain’s Cemetery in Hallsville, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.
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