Obituary of Jennifer Jean Francis Mills Ford

Jennifer Jean Francis Mills Ford, affectionately known as "Jeni" and "Grandma Jeni," peacefully transitioned from this life on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the age of 65. She spent her final moments in the loving and supportive presence of her two children, Gene 'Geno' Ford and Giordan Johnson, and under the watchful care of her life partner, Tony ‘Winks’ Wiggington. Born on December 24, 1958, in Lorain, Ohio, Jennifer and her family moved to Indianapolis when she was very young. She was raised Catholic and spent a large portion of her childhood in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood, where she attended school and made a number of lifelong friends. Jennifer was a proud product of Indianapolis Public School 86, St. Thomas Aquinas School, Ladywood, Broad Ripple High School and graduated from North Central High School. Following her graduation, Jennifer spent a short time living with her older brother David in San Francisco, an inspiring experience that impacted her greatly. Returning to Indianapolis, she would go on to build a life filled with love, commitment, and service. In marriage to Gene Louis Ford Jr., and later in union with Eric Johnson, Jennifer found the joy of motherhood, welcoming her beloved sons Geno and Giordan into the world. Throughout her professional endeavors at various companies, Jennifer proved to be an extremely friendly, kind-hearted and resourceful person and problem solver who took pride in her responsibilities and would gladly help all kinds of people. Jennifer's heart beat passionately for causes close to her soul. She found a special connection with nonprofit organizations focused on mentoring and encouraging women, promoting safe practices and community health, advocating for and supporting individuals who were dealing with addiction and abuse, and supporting those who were discriminated against or misunderstood because of their sexuality. She loved to talk to and connect with people from all walks of life and was very involved in the churches she attended. Jennifer’s favorite pastime was spending time laughing and enjoying the company of loved ones especially her children and grandchildren, attending family gatherings, hanging out with Tony, watching TV and sports, listening to music, enjoying nature, eating great food, and encouraging others. Jennifer will be fondly remembered as a friendly face with a free spirit, a heart of gold, an infectious laugh and sense of humor, a bold voice, and a loving presence who always made anyone around her feel welcomed and appreciated. Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Clay Mills II and Rosemary Tompkins, and her brothers, David Anthony Crisp and Henry Clay Mills III. She leaves to cherish her memory: life partner Anthony ‘Tony’ Wayne Wiggington; her children, Gene 'Geno' Henry Ford (Mawusi) and Giordan Francis Montez Johnson; grandchildren, Anaya Jenae Ford and Morgan Ashé Ford; sisters, Angela Guice, Sheila Passley and Cora Lynn Tompkins, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family members and loved ones. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Serenity Funeral and Cremation Services in Indianapolis, with visitation there from 11 a.m. until the time of service where longtime and dear family friend Pastor Eric L. Rowe, will officiate.