Mrs. Anna(David) Laura Ford

Anna Laura Ford (Broaddus) was born in Franklin, Indiana on October 22, 1925 to a family of 8 siblings. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a housewife. At an early age, she contracted meningitis, which caused her to lose lots of weight. Her nickname was derived from that experience; as she was called "Tiny Anna" ... which was shortened to "Tanny" which everyone knows her by that name to this day. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1943, then spent 2 years at Franklin Community College where she received her Associate Degree in Home Economics. She relocated to Chicago where she had dreams of becoming a "Lena Horne" type model. When she realized that colored women could not be advertising models, she attended school at the Chicago Art Institute where she studied dressmaking. It was during this period in her life when she met David Ford through his mother. They became best of friends and after his stint in the Army, they got married on October 31,1953. When asked why they got married on Halloween, she would simply reply, "it was the 1st available date we had and he had to get back up to Milwaukee to go to work". In addition to being a devoted housewife and mother of 2, Mrs. Ford owned and operated "Tanny's Dressmaking Shop"; a business she ran out of her home for over 50 years. She did everything from alterations to designing stylish outfits, prom dresses and elaborate wedding gowns for a diverse clientele. Her talents landed her positions at well known high end shops throughout Milwaukee; including Harleys and Talbots. Always a believer in giving back to the community, she was very active in the Girl Scouts Of America as a local troop leader at Keefe Avenue School and St. Mark AME Church. She often participated in events, meetings and jamborees representing the Girl Scouts organization on the regional and national level. She also was very active in the local garden club, the PTA and Jack & Jill of America. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. She loved to cook. As a member of St. MarkAME Church, she served on the Sunday School, the Pantry Fellowship and other ministries serving the community. Tanny was quiet, but she possessed an infectious smile. She was lady like at all times and to know her was to love her. She is survived by a loving daughter and son; JanElla who presently resides in Pasadena, California and Ronald, currently living in Dallas Texas.

Mrs. Anna(David) Laura Ford

October 22, 1925 - November 24, 2014