Michelle "Sweets" Ford

With heavy hearts and an immeasurable amount of love, we announce the passing of Michelle “Sweets” Ford, age 58, on August 5, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by the people who loved her the most.

Michelle was born in Irving, Texas, and lived a life defined by love, compassion, strength, and an unwavering devotion to her family and to children in need.

She married her one true love, Ray “Knuckles” Ford, on May 16, 1984. For 42 years, they built a life together filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, and countless memories. Their love was a beautiful testament to what it means to walk through life side by side.

Michelle is survived by her loving husband, Ray “Knuckles” Ford; her son, Matthew Ford “Drengr”; her daughters-in-love, Anna Ford (T-Ray Boykin) and Laci Ford; and her beloved grandchildren, Aiden Ford, Kaelyn Ford, Briella Ford, Kiley Ford, and Brinley Ford. She is also survived by her father, Mel Murphy; her Guardians of the Children family; and countless family members and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Murphy, and her brother, Artie Yates.

Above all else, Michelle’s greatest love was her family. She treasured every moment with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was the heart of her family—the one who celebrated every milestone, offered unwavering support, and loved without condition. Her family never had to wonder whether they were loved. Michelle made sure they knew it.

But Michelle had a heart big enough to love far beyond her own family.

Through Guardians of the Children, she found another calling close to her heart: helping children in need. She loved, cared for, supported, and advocated for every child who came into her life. She didn’t simply help them through a program—she made them part of her heart. Even after they graduated, Michelle continued to stay in touch with many of them, reminding them that they were never forgotten and would always be loved.

To know Michelle was to love her.

Her beautiful grin and that unmistakable smile could make you feel at home the moment you met her. She gave the best hugs—the kind that made you feel safe, loved, and cared for. She had one of the kindest souls and the biggest hearts you could ever know.

Michelle was selfless. She was encouraging. She was always there when someone needed a listening ear, a kind word, a hug, or simply a reminder that they were loved.

And she loved fiercely.

She loved her family. She loved her friends. She loved her Guardian family. And, of course, she loved Snoopy.

Michelle had a way of leaving a little piece of her heart with everyone she met. She made people feel seen. She made people feel important. She made people feel loved.

Her absence will leave a space that can never be filled, but her love will never leave us.

Her legacy will live on in every hug, every smile, every laugh, every child she helped, and every life she touched.

Michelle Ford was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. But the love she gave so freely will continue through all of us who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of Michelle’s life, laughter, and love will be held at Curry-Welborn Funeral Home on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michelle’s honor to:

Guardians of the Children P.O. Box 134 Mt. Vernon, Texas 75457

The online register book can be signed at www.currywelborn.com

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Curry-Welborn Funeral Home.