Jane Johnson Ford, aged 101, long-time resident of Stuart, Virginia and recent resident of Brandermill Woods in Chesterfield, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026.
Born in Radford, VA, Jane was the beloved daughter of Guy and Caroline Johnson. She grew up in Stuart, Virginia and earned a bachelor’s degree from Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia. After graduation she began a career as a teacher at Stuart Elementary School, and later at Patrick County High School, where she influenced the lives of many students.
Jane was a devoted mother to her three children: Janie, Anne, and Howard Jr. She was also a cherished grandmother to Catherine, Ashley, and Demetria. She will be remembered for so many things, including her gracious Southern manners, her kindness, her practical view of life, her life-long sense of fashion, and love of a good card game.
Jane is survived by daughter Janie Richardson and her husband, Walker; daughter Anne Ayers and her husband, Rob; son Howard T. Smith, Jr. and his wife, Lori Forcucci; granddaughters Catherine Pennino and her husband, Michael Blair; Ashley Pennino and her husband, James McGuire; and Demetria Smith. She was also preceded in death by her infant daughter, Caroline Smith.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Stefania Johnson, former social worker at Brandermill Woods Assisted Living and Health Care, who became a treasured friend to Jane and provided exceptional care and support. The family also wishes to thank the entire staff at Brandermill Woods for the compassionate care and support they provided to Jane during her time there.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Patrick County High School Class of ’75 Scholarship Fund, c/o Rickie Fulcher, 590 American Legion Rd, Stuart, VA 24171.
Jane’s warmth, grace, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
