Darryl W. Ford was born on November 2, 1966. He was the second and last child born to Jimmy W. and Sarah Lee Ford.
Darryl was born prematurely and unfortunately, there were complications. Shortly after his birth, he stopped breathing, depriving his brain of oxygen. This lack of oxygen to Darryl’s brain caused irreparable damage. As a result, Darryl was diagnosed with “mental retardation” (now known as intellectual and developmental disability/IDD and Autism).

Despite this challenging start to his life, Darryl was able to progress and thrive!
He began his education at the Baden Street Child Development Center, where his mother, Sarah L. Ford taught pre-school. Darryl continued his education at the Al Sigl Center, focusing on speech and cognitive therapy. He was extremely proud to graduate from Benjamin Franklin Highschool in 1986!
Since Darryl’s disability limited traditional work options, he spent his time supporting his parents, Jim and Sarah – especially as they got older. He cooked their meals, managed the weekly grocery shopping trips, ensured that medications were taken and kept their home and yard well maintained.

Darryl was a typical little brother to his sister, Cynthia, who he called “Missie”. They adored each other! They played tag and climbed trees together. Leaped over the living room furniture (much to their mother’s annoyance) playing cops and robbers together; raced their bikes down the street together and he (unlike others) was always a willing passenger when Cynthia was learning to drive. They were the best of friends!
Darryl and Cynthia grew even closer as siblings after the deaths of their parents in 2012. Darryl relocated to Katy, TX to live with his “big sis” fulltime. Cynthia found a day program for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Autism for Darryl to attend called The Arc of Katy. Darryl flourished in this program, building friendships and emerging as a natural leader- helping those who were less capable than he was. He would return home from day at The Arc of Katy with a huge smile and lots of stories of his adventures.

Darryl leaves to mourn his passing his sister, Cynthia L. Ford of Katy, TX. His aunts Patricia Lee of High Point, NC and Helen Devone (Earnest) Miller of Archdale, NC; his uncles Gailey (Grace) Ford of Augusta, GA and Roosevelt Lee of Staten Island. A host of beloved cousins and his family at The Arc of Katy. We are all truly devastated by Darryl’s sudden death. We will miss him forever.

Visitation Friday 6pm-8-pm at New Bethel CME Church 270 Scio St. Funeral Service Saturday 11AM at the church. Interment Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible contribution may be made to The Arc of Katy. Write “Darryl W. Ford Scholarship Fund” in the memo line. Mail the check to The Arc of Katy, PO Box 6133, Katy, TX 77491

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darryl W. Ford, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.