Barbara Jacqueline Ford, gardener, animal lover

Barbara Jacqueline Ford, 92, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in the comfort of her home in Rehoboth Beach after an extended struggle with dementia.

Barbara was born Nov. 8, 1931, in Felton, the daughter of Gertrude (Outten) and John Barton Wilson. She grew up in the old Adams Street neighborhood of Wilmington prior to I-95 cutting through the city. After graduation from Wilmington High Class of 1950, she took business trade courses at Goldey-Beacom College and started a career at Conley, Mills & Rossiter Real Estate; she later in life retired from Margaretten Mortgage.

On June 4, 1951, Barbara married Donald G. Marcus of Wilmington and raised a family in Klair Estates. After an amicable divorce in 1981, Barbara married Doyle C. Ford of Wilmington June 10, 1983. In 2020, they moved to their Rehoboth Beach house full time.

Barbara was a happy, fun-loving person who was always on the go. She enjoyed regular travel to many interesting places throughout the U.S. as well as to the Caribbean and several European countries.

Barbara’s passion was working in her flower gardens, and she was a member of the Hoe & Hope Garden Club. As an avid animal lover, she provided a home for several stray dogs and cats throughout the years. Barbara also supported sanctuaries for rescued elephants and distressed sea turtles.

Barbara will be missed by her husband, Doyle Ford of Rehoboth Beach; her son, David Marcus of Wilmington; her daughter, Donna Neiger of Glen Allen, Va.; and her grandson Alex Neiger of Richmond, Va. She will also be missed by her stepfamily: stepson Paul Ford, York Springs, Pa.; stepdaughter Kathy Walls of Wilmington; step-granddaughter Lacey Lambe (Wesley) and step-great-grandsons Clyde and Hudson Lambe, all of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Special thanks go to Delaware Hospice, which provided in-home care and support during her final weeks.

Service will be held privately.

Visit Barbara’s Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.