Phyllis McGee Ford
8/7/1938 - 11/29/2025

Phyllis McGee Ford, 87, passed away on November 29, 2025, at her beloved ranch in Kerrville, Texas. She was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, on August 7, 1938, and grew up in the Rio Grande Valley. Phyllis attended PSJA High School, where she was a twirler and drum majorette. After graduation, she spent one year at the University of Texas before continuing her studies at Mississippi State University. There, she met her husband, Donald—beginning a marriage rooted in partnership, adventure, and a shared love of family.

Phyllis and Donald married in 1960 and began their family in Alamo, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, welcoming two sons before ultimately settling in the Memorial area of Houston. A devoted homemaker, Phyllis centered her life on raising her family and enriching the lives of those around her through extraordinary service and volunteer leadership.

Throughout her years in Houston, Phyllis was deeply involved in her sons’ activities and her community. She coached Little League baseball for the Bendwood Bandits, served as a Cub Scout Pack Mom, and was a Room Mother every year—roles she embraced wholeheartedly. She also published school newsletters and was a natural organizer, always stepping in where she was needed most.

Phyllis served as the Block Captain for Fonn Villas, where she organized and later served as Secretary of the Fonn Villas Women’s Club. She coordinated the annual Fonn Villas Picnic and Dance and was an active member of both the gourmet group and an antiquing group. She was involved with the Southwest Fertilizer Conference for approximately 15 years, serving twice as Women’s Chairman and as a member of the Scholarship Committee. In addition, Phyllis was a board member of the Creekwood II Landowner Association.

Phyllis was a world traveler who loved exploring near and far—whether on cruises, international trips, or family vacations. But no matter where she ventured, she was always at peace at her lake house in New Braunfels and at Rancho Piedra Colina in Kerrville. She was an excellent host, known for always being ready for company, collecting cookbooks, and searching for the perfect recipe. She loved cooking, gardening, watching birds and wildlife, and enjoying a glass of wine on her patio overlooking the ranch she loved.

She will be remembered for her strength and resilience—truly “tough as nails”—and for the deep devotion she had to her family. Phyllis and Donald loved traveling the world together, and though much of his working life kept him in Houston, their happiest times were spent at the ranch surrounded by family and the rhythms of the Texas Hill Country.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Ford, and her parents, Thomas Garlon McGee and Wilford Wideman McGee.

She is survived by her sons, Donald R. Ford Jr. and his wife, Christina, and Stanley T. Ford; grandchildren who called her “Mimi,” Heather Ford Caussade and her husband, Lucas J. Caussade, Victoria Ford Jowers and her husband, Nathan K. Jowers, Tristan G. Ford, and Weston R. Ford; and her great-grandson, Ford F. Caussade.

Pallbearers will be Troy Fontenot, Mark Ford, Ron Gayle, Jimmy Henderson, Nathan Jowers, Albert Rodriguez and Jess Stephenson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Don Berry, Howard Brent, Charlie Joslin, Wade Miller, Mark Nelson, Gary Reichenau, Matt Ryan, Charlie Weatherly, Trey Winborn and Randy Zbranek.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 4, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Grimes Funeral Chapels.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, also at Grimes Funeral Chapels, with Pastor Ryan Coffey officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Peterson Health Foundation, 551 Hill Country Drive, Kerrville TX 78028.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Peterson Hospice and Right at Home Care in Kerrville for their exceptional compassion and for making her final days comfortable at home.

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