Mrs. Essie Fay Nolan Ford, the daughter of Hershal Herring and Fay McAll was born July 26, 1936 in Dies, Texas.

She attended the public schools of Tyler County. At an early age, she confessed Christ and joined the Baptist church in Doucette, Texas where her father was the pastor. Fay was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was loved and respected by family and friends for her energetic, get-things done attitude and generous nature. Fay loved to write and was an established author, her book entitled "Children Crying Woe" was published in February 2005.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters Gale Thomas (Ken Thomas), Gloria Alexander (Carl Alexander) and Tonjua Yarbrough (Dannette Williams), six grandchildren Doretha Fay Yates, Chasity Beaugouis, Clair Espinosa, Justin Thomas, Brittany Jones, and Chucky Yarbrough.  Two great grandchildren Razalynn Henderson and Renyae Henderson and one great-great granddaughter Jayla Denise Fay Johnson. Three sisters, Jewel Fontenot, Betty Hadnot, Mabel Fleming, two brothers Gene Herring and Hershal Herring Jr.

Her husband Henry Alford Ford and son James Kendrick Yarbrough (Kenny) preceded her in death.

The family will welcome friends 2pm-4pm, Friday, December 20, 2024, at Peevey Funeral Home, 12440 Beamer Road, Houston, TX 77089.