Mrs. Edwina Ridgway Ford

Edwina Mary Ridgway Ford, 89, originally of Royston, Georgia, and most recently of Athens, Georgia, passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on January 21, 1937, she lived a long, full life marked by devotion, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to caring for others. Edwina was the true matriarch of her family, a woman whose presence anchored generations. She raised five children, a legacy that grew into twenty grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren, each of whom carries forward her spirit of kindness, hospitality, and strength. Over the years, she lovingly answered to many names: Edwina Mary, Edwina, Sissy, Wana, Bun, Mama, Aunt Wana, Big Mama, Grandmama, Memaw, Granny, and Memes. Each nickname reflected a different relationship, a different season, and a different person who adored her. Edwina was married to the late Dr. William C. Ford, whose primary care practice served the Northeast Georgia community for many years. Together, they built a life centered on service. Dr. Ford was known for accepting trades for healthcare when needed, and Edwina supported his work wholeheartedly; from shucking a truckload of corn offered by a grateful patient to opening her home to those who were ill and had nowhere else to go. Her family was already large, but she extended that sense of family into the community, offering comfort, food, and care to anyone in need. She loved to travel, cook, and eat well — and often. Her kitchen was always open, and anyone who crossed her threshold was welcomed with a warm meal. She delighted in shopping, especially for dishes to plate beautiful meals for her guests, and she was always on the lookout for “a little something,” a small gift or thoughtful token, to give to anyone in her life or her family’s lives. Edwina loved to crochet, especially dish towels, which she would also give away as “a little something,” each one stitched with care and offered with love. Special needs ministry became dear to Edwina’s heart after her oldest great-granddaughter was born with Down syndrome. The strong family she had nurtured only grew stronger, forging an even deeper bond that later inspired her son to adopt a child with Down syndrome from China. Her love, acceptance, and unwavering support shaped the way her family embraced and celebrated every life. Edwina is survived by her siblings, Susan Kay (Gary), Jennifer Stewart, and Bob Ridgway (Joanne); her children, Jo Beth James (Phillip), Suzanne McCulloch (Ray), Lanie Alligood (Steve), Jane Lyons (John), and Chet Ford (Nicole); and the plethora of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will forever cherish her wisdom, humor, and unwavering love. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Robert Edwin & Beth Locke Ridgway, her husband, Dr. Billy Ford, her brother-in-law, Mark Stewart, and her twin grandsons, Will & Ches Ford. Per Edwina’s request, in lieu of a service and flowers, she request you tell your family and friends how much you love them, and if you feel led, contributions in her memory may be made to Prince Avenue Baptist Church’s Every Neighbor campaign (https://pabc.org/every-neighbor/). This campaign will create a dedicated space for individuals with special needs and further the work of the Prince Pals ministry, a cause that touched Edwina’s heart in profound and lasting ways. Special thanks to the staff of the Overlook Senior Living- Monroe and Family Hospice for their compassion, love, and care. We will forever be grateful for them. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Edwina Ridgway Ford

January 21, 1937 - April 11, 2026