The Monroe community mourns the death of legendary educator Bobbie Ford Slack, who died recently.
A dedicated educator and cherished member of the First Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Slack passed away at the age of 80.
A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe.
Born on October 5, 1943, to the late Robert Ford, Sr., and Mary Ross-Ford, Bobbie was the youngest of fourteen siblings. She grew up in a loving family that valued education, starting with informal training at home and later attending Union Baptist Elementary School and Richwood High School.
At the age of ten, Bobbie took her first steps toward becoming a Christian when she was baptized by Rev. Joe Newman in the Ouachita River. She remained an active member of Cuba Baptist Church until she married John Thomas Slack, a member of First Missionary Baptist Church, where she later joined alongside her husband.
After completing her education at Grambling State University, Bobbie began her teaching career at Henry V. Adams Elementary School in Bastrop. She later taught at Logtown Elementary, Crosley Elementary in West Monroe, and Jack Hayes Elementary.
After earning her Master’s degree, she worked as a counselor in multiple schools within the Ouachita Parish School System, always demonstrating a deep commitment to her students and showing genuine sincerity in her interactions with them.
Bobbie’s caring nature extended beyond the classroom, as she was known for her strong relationships with coworkers, friends, and family, particularly her great-nieces and nephews. She lived a joyful life within a large family network and was actively involved in her church, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Monroe Alumnae Chapter, and other community organizations until her passing.
Preceded in death by her husband, John, and several siblings, Bobbie is survived by her sisters Helen Wayne, Beatrice Matthews (Jimmy), Rozena Ford, and Ethel Lily, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and stepdaughter, Gloria Lynne Collins.
