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Jones, Letha Bell Ford

May 12, 1929 –
 February 28, 2017

Obituary

Letha Bell Ford Jones, affectionately known as Lee or Big Mama, passed away on February 28, 2017. Letha Bell Ford was born on May 12, 1929 to Beulah Bond Ford and Bervy Ford in Osage County, Oklahoma. Letha was Football Queen at Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City, OK and graduated in 1947. Letha is preceded in death by her parents, Beulah and Bervy Ford; her sister, Nadine Smith, her brother, Doyle Ford, and her brother-in-law James Smith. She is survived by her only daughter, Victoria Lana Jones of Dallas, Texas; her dear sister-in-law, Nina Ford of Dallas, Texas; her nephew Phil Smith and wife Sherri of Yukon, Oklahoma; her nephew Gary Ford and wife Susan of Friendswood, Texas, and her niece Kristin Downs and husband Chad of Dallas, Texas. Letha was a one-of-a-kind woman—beautiful, charming, and vivacious – who regarded life as one big party. When you met her, you never forgot her, and she didn’t forget you either. She had a wicked and irreverent sense of humor, and saw the funny side in nearly everything. She was generous, kind, considerate, and most often rooted for the underdog. Though a devoted Oklahoma University fan, she loved all sports especially basketball, football and golf —college, professional, high school, it didn’t matter. She was particularly pleased that women’s sports had advanced during her lifetime as she was a star basketball guard in high school. She certainly experienced her share of disappointments and tragedies, but soldiered on with the attitude that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Even losing her left hand at age 41 didn’t stop her, but rather inspired her to overcome that bump in the road and to never look back with regret. She knew the power of prayer and God’s love for her, and for you. Thus, she was adept at offering genuine comfort and support to those she loved, and she loved with a big heart. For those who knew her, your lives will be forever touched by her laughter, wit, memorable quotes, fun-loving spirit and zest for life. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, March 17 at 4:00 PM at Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, Texas. I lieu of flowers, please contribute to C. C. Young Memorial Home, to Unity of Dallas for the Genesis Women’s Shelter, or to the SPCA of Texas.       Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site. Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 1820 N. Belt Line Road Irving, Texas 75061 972-607-4400

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Testimonials

R. Driver
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"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
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"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
R. Woll
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"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
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"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
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"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
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"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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Important Information

  1. If death has occurred and or is imminent, please call the Aria location nearest you.

    PRESTON ROAD
    214.306.6700

    NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
    214.340.8008

    BELTLINE ROAD
    972.607.4400

  2. Click here to Download the Cremation Forms.
  3. Have the cremation authorization form notarized
  4. Fax the forms back to us at:
    • NW Highway
      214-340-8009
    • Preston Rd.
      972-526-7410
    • Belt Line Rd.
      972-573-1008
 

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