Eva Marie Nervis Farrish Ford

Eva Marie Nervis Farrish Ford, a luminous soul who graced this earth with her unparalleled spirit and groundbreaking contributions to healthcare, departed this life on February 15, 2024, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Born on October 10, 1931, in the serene surroundings of Issaquena County, Mississippi, Eva was a woman of many talents and passions.

Her journey was nothing short of extraordinary, as she emerged as a trailblazer in the field of healthcare. Before becoming the first African American Family Nurse Practitioner in Mississippi, she dedicated herself to her craft as a surgical technician, a Licensed Practical Nurse, and then as a Registered Nurse. Eva exhibited remarkable leadership as a Supervisor for Mississippi Action for Progress, a Director of the Family Health Service of Mississippi, and later, a Director of the Medgar Evers Comprehensive Health Center in Fayette, Mississippi. Her passionate commitment to serving her community culminated in her role as a Family Nurse Practitioner, where she oversaw an independent primary care clinic at Kuhn Memorial Hospital in Vicksburg. Eva's dedication extended to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, where she adeptly coordinated healthcare for veterans experiencing various ailments. Her last notable position as a Family Nurse Practitioner was at Morehouse Rural Health Clinic in Bastrop, Louisiana.

Eva's academic pursuits were equally commendable. She proudly received her Associate degree from Hinds Junior College in 1976, and soon after, became a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner through Meharry Medical College in 1977. In 1984, she earned her Bachelor of Science from Mississippi College, Clinton, forging a path for those who would follow in her illustrious footsteps.

Eva was not only a beacon of knowledge and expertise; she was also a woman of diverse hobbies and interests. She found joy in fishing, collecting dolls, and treasured antiques. An accomplished seamstress and tailor, she proudly owned and operated the first African American antique store in Vicksburg, which bore testament to her exquisite taste and appreciation for heritage.

Throughout her life, Eva was the recipient of numerous accolades that recognized her unwavering dedication to community service and professional excellence. Among her proudest accomplishments were the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Lucky 7 Police Department in Vicksburg in 1979, the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award from the Mississippi Heart Association in 1982, and various honors by Delta Sigma Theta and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Her legacy as a pioneer in nursing was further enshrined when she was named Woman of the Year by Les Belle Club in 1982.

Eva leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory and the profound impact she had on their lives. She is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Moore; her five children, Carmen Farrish Reese of Stockbridge, Georgia; Janice Farrish Lambert (Charles) of The Colony, Texas; Sylvia Farrish Redd (Albert) of Vicksburg; Ann Farrish Christopher (Michael) of Grapevine, Texas; and James Farrish III (Cassandra) of Edwards, Mississippi. Eva held a special place in her heart for her niece, Dr. Shirley Davis (Samuel) of Clinton, Mississippi, eleven grandchildren, Jason Reese (Tondia), Stockbridge, GA;Camillia Redd, Dallas, TX; Dr. Steven Redd (Rita), Meridian, MS; Dr. Kevin Lambert (Dartinya), Carrollton, TX; Timothy Lambert, Dallas, TX; Kristin Lambert Jones, Little Elm, TX; Crystal Johnson Madden, Grapevine, TX; James Farrish IV (JaNee), Zachary, LA; Carmen Farrish Poe (Kenyatta), Clinton, MS; Adam Farrish, Houston, TX; and  Christopher Farrish, Edwards, MS; twenty-one great grandchildren; whose lives she touched with her love and guidance. Her beloved sister, Henrietta Diggs, Rolling Fork, MS; and a host of close family members including nieces and nephews, Gregory Diggs (Amanda), Freddie Smith, Velma Bunch, Clifton Taulbert (Barbara), the Nervis Family, and the Martin Family. 

Eva Marie Nervis Farrish Ford was preceded in death by her parents, Mariah Branch Nervis and Louis Nervis; her sister, Alma Austin; her brother, Allen Percy Williams, lovingly known as Uncle Son; and her former husbands, James Farrish, Jr., and Homer Ford.

As we gather to honor and celebrate the indelible mark Eva left upon the world, we find solace in the legacy of love, ambition, and tenacity she imparted. Visitation will be held on February 23, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at C J Williams Mortuary Center in Vicksburg, followed by a funeral service at Travelers Rest Baptist Church on February 24, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM. Eva’s journey may have come to an end, but her spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.