Minnie Askew Ford's life began on April 19, 1940, in Waldo, Arkansas. She was the fourth child of Ethel Robinson Green and Robert Askew. She grew up in Camden, AR. Minnie received a formal education through the Camden School system, graduating from Lincoln High School.

Minnie met and married the love of her life, Charles W. Ford, Sr.; to this union they had three loving children whom they cherished: Santhia T. Ford, Terrye Ford and Charles (Dank) Ford, Jr.

She accepted Christ at an early age, attending The Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. After relocating to California, Minnie joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. After retirement, she returned back to Camden, AR., where she reunited with her home church, Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Minnie began employment at an early age, starting at Camden Cleaner and Baldwin Electronics in Camden, AR. She was the first Black female as an Inspection Supervisor. After moving to California, she took her work experience and began working at Explosive Technology as an Electronic Engineer, which manufactured Aerospace components for the Space Shuttles, and many other companies before retiring in 1985.

Minnie possessed a refined appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and the finer things in life. She had an impeccable eye for interior design, fashion and cars. She was a big sports fan, with her favorite football team being the Raiders. She enjoyed traveling around the world, such places as Tahiti, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada and throughout the United States. Minnie participated in Social Clubs, the Order of Eastern Star of Vallejo, CA and the Elks Lodge Ashford Temple #903 where she was honored as a Vice Daughter Ruler. She enjoyed assisting in the community and traveling to conventions.

To describe Minnie as a woman of substance and beauty. Those that knew and loved her will remember her love for the Lord, compassionate heart, infectious smile, love and loyalty to her family and friends. Her strength was matched by her generosity, and her presence was as unforgettable as the legacy she leaves behind.

On September 8, 2026, Minnie slept into the Lord's embrace at Silver Oaks Health & Rehab Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Askew and Ethel Robinson Green; brothers Willie (Frog) Rodgers, Flemmon (Babe) Green and sisters Callie Mae Askew, Willie (Jack) Johnson, Lanell (Dollabby) Askew; and children Santhia Ford (Kathy Ford) and Charles (Dank) Ford, Jr.

Minnie leaves to cherish her precious memories to her daughter Terrye Ford (Robbin) Brown, grandchildren Robbin (Bryant) Brown, Lariah Brown of Napa, CA, Marcus (Candace) Ford, Marquez (Rachel) Ford of Sacramento, CA, and 7 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.