Patricia "Pat" Payne Ford

Ford, Patricia "Pat" Payne - Age 84, of Linden, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, sisters, brother, and niece.

A service is not planned at this time. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Pat's memory may make memorial contributions to the Flint Institute of Arts. Arrangements are being provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 East Broad Street, Linden.

Pat was born on December 31, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph and Adeline (Ferris) Payne. She was one of six siblings, growing up alongside five sisters and one brother. At the age of seven, Pat contracted polio and spent two years hospitalized. Despite the challenges she faced as a childhood wheelchair user, she pursued her education with determination, attending Leland Elementary School and later Cass Technical High School in Detroit.

Pat earned her bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and went on to receive master's degrees from The New School for Social Research and New York University. She devoted her professional life to serving others, working with VISTA, the domestic Peace Corps program, and later with Michigan Rehabilitation Services, where she supported individuals with disabilities. Throughout her life, Pat was also a dedicated advocate for disability rights and worked to advance civil rights for people with disabilities.

In 1974, Pat married the love of her life, James "Jim" Ford. Together they shared 52 wonderful years filled with adventure, friendship, and devotion. They enjoyed wheelchair road racing, fishing, camping, and traveling together. Later in life, Pat discovered a passion for pottery and cherished her years as a student at the Flint Institute of Arts.

Pat's greatest gift was her kindness. She was a loving, accepting, and compassionate person who was deeply devoted to her husband and family. She genuinely cared about others, took an interest in everyone's story, and made friends wherever she went. As one friend lovingly shared, "Pat was the dearest and best of humanity." Her warmth, strength, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

The family extends a special thank you to Pat's niece, Lisa Kendall, and her family for their many years of unwavering care, support, and concern.

Pat is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, James "Jim" Ford of Linden; her siblings, Mary Robinchaud, Sue Payne, Kathy Payne, Sara Scholl, and Joe Payne Jr.; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Adeline Payne.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.