Community Mourns the Loss of Joyce Gillespie Ford: A Legacy of Compassion and Service

Remembering the Remarkable Joy of Joyce Gillespie Ford

This article comes to you from Florence, South Carolina, where the community is mourning the loss of an extraordinary individual, Joyce Gillespie Ford. Born on April 23, 1948, in Hamilton, Ohio, Joyce graced the world with her presence for 76 wonderful years, leaving behind a legacy of compassionate service and unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

A Life Rooted in Service

Joyce was the beloved daughter of the late Issac Nathaniel Gillespie II (affectionately known as Butch) and Sylvia Lee Pitts Gillespie. Her upbringing in a family that prioritized service and caring for others shaped her passion for helping from a young age. This drive led her to work with children through the Big Brother/Big Sister organization, touching the lives of many youth in her community.

Although Joyce began her career in sales and marketing, her heart lay in volunteerism, and she dedicated 42 years of her life to various communities. However, it was during her time in Florence that she discovered her true calling—helping victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse. Joyce became a crisis advocate, volunteer trainer, and counselor, embodying the compassion and support that those in distress desperately needed.

The Birth of The Naomi Project

Joyce’s journey took a significant turn when she realized that many abuse victims returned to their abusers due to a lack of resources and support. This insight sparked the creation of The Naomi Project, which Joyce founded and led as its CEO. The mission was clear: to transform the lives of women and children escaping domestic violence, making sure they had a safe haven after making the brave choice to leave their abuser.

Joyce’s work with The Naomi Project has not gone unnoticed. The organization has been featured in various publications like Innerview, SHE, and IMARA. Additionally, Joyce has received numerous accolades at local and state levels, along with grants aimed at advancing her vital work in the community. Notably, in 2007, she was honored at the United Nations in New York City during the International Women’s Day celebration, a testament to her impactful efforts.

Community Contributions

Joyce’s connection to her community was profound. She didn’t just work with The Naomi Project; she was actively involved in a plethora of organizations such as the Savannah Grove Baptist Church, the No One Unsheltered (NOU) initiative, and the Kiwanis Club of Florence. Her passion for helping others extended to serving on the board of the Human Services program at Florence Darlington Technical College and participating in the Pee Dee Professional Women’s Business Network.

As Joyce often reminded others, “If I Can Help Somebody Along The Way, Then My Living Is Not in Vain.” This motto encapsulated her dedication—a life lived not for oneself but for the betterment of others.

A Loving Family

Joyce leaves behind her beloved husband, Marion Ford, and their daughter, Rozlyn Ford, along with two cherished grandchildren, Jansen and Sylvia Ford. She had a close bond with her two surviving brothers, Lawrence Gillespie and her surrogate brother, Thomas Knight, plus a wide network of friends, colleagues, and the caring family of The Naomi Project.

Though Joyce has passed, the impact of her life is everlasting. In honor of her legacy, the family requests that donations be made to The Naomi Project to continue the work she was so passionate about.

Final Goodbye

Friends, family, and community members are invited to pay their respects on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:00 am, followed by the service at Savannah Grove Baptist Church, located at 2620 Alligator Rd., Effingham, SC 29541.

As Florence remembers Joyce Gillespie Ford—a true giant in her community—let us hold her spirit close and continue her mission of kindness and compassion.