Mrs. Roberta Louise Ford

Roberta Louise Ford was born in Washington, District of Columbia, on July 17, 1950, to Tatten Washington Payne and Alice Louise Payne. Affectionately known as “Charity” or “Bert,” she was one of eight children and was lovingly raised in Fairfax, Virginia, with her seven siblings. Roberta attended Luther Jackson High School and later earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Social Work from Sojourner-Douglass College in 2011. She also attended Washington Bible College and participated in the Chuck Colson Prison Ministry, where she ministered to those in need. A devoted student of scripture, Roberta desired to understand the deeper things of God. Even after accomplishing so much, she believed there was always more she could do for Christ. True to that calling, she was recently enrolled in a Master of Theological Studies program. One of her most cherished experiences was traveling to Rwanda, Africa, on a mission trip to serve children. There, she worked alongside a team to help build schoolhouses. She found joy in mentoring and nurturing the many young people who were a part of her life. She often spent hours on the phone with her grandchildren. They called and spoke with Nanny about their lives. Much of her professional life was dedicated to serving others through the social services field. Her career included work with Prince George’s County Head Start Program, Foster Care of America, Melwood Inc., and New Horizons. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Environmental Protection Agency as a contractor through UNISYS. For more than 51 years, Roberta shared her life with her beloved husband Carlton Ford Sr. Together, they built a family filled with love and left a legacy that will continue for generations. They raised five children and were blessed with 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Roberta was intentional about instilling her faith and values in her family. One message she made certain they understood was that “Only what you do for Christ will last.” She lived those words. Her life reflected the example she had received from her father, Tatten Payne, and she passed that example on to her family. Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, Tatten Washington Payne and Alice Payne; her brother, Nathaniel Payne; her sisters, Joanne Hogan, Roberta “Birdie” Redmon, and Minnie Viola Jackson; and her bonus granddaughter, Kelly L. Phillips. She leaves to cherish her memory husband Carlton Ford Sr., her five children: Keisha Ford, Aisha Ford, Jamila Cruz, Kimberly Baldwin, and Carlton Ford II; 20 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 more who are coming soon, her siblings, Earlene DaCosta, Sheila Payne, Celestine Payne, Theodore Payne, Debra Ann Payne and sister-in-law Glenda Payne, a host of relatives including 3 bonus children; 11 bonus grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives are forever changed by knowing her. Her greatest legacy is not only the family she leaves behind, but the lessons she taught, the prayers she prayed, the lives she encouraged, and the love she gave. Roberta lived her life to glorify Christ. And though our hearts are broken by her absence, we can find comfort in knowing that she spent her life doing what mattered most. She loved God. She loved people. She loved her family. And she gave her life in service to others. Roberta Louise Ford will be deeply missed, forever loved, and eternally cherished. Her earthly journey is complete, but her legacy lives on. “Only what you do for Christ will last.” ~Roberta Ford Well done thy good and faithful servant. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live King James Bible

Mrs. Roberta Louise Ford

July 17, 1950 - August 10, 2026

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