Mary Lynelle Ford
, Louisiana
Mary Lynelle Ford passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 after a short illness in Alexandria, Louisiana, surrounded by loved ones. She was born November 28, 1943, in Alexandria. A graduate of Pineville High School and Northwestern State University, she taught at Bolton High School before returning to school to earn a Master’s Degree in Microbiology from Northwestern State University and later a Doctorate in Microbiology from LSU–Baton Rouge. Lynelle spent a career in public health, including work at the Houston Medical Center, and as the Head of Biological and Environmental Testing for both Rapides Parish and the State of Louisiana.Lynelle was an active member of Horseshoe Baptist Church in Alexandria. She later joined Boyce United Methodist Church, where she became a certified lay minister so she could provide continual liturgical services to the congregation. She spent decades at Boyce UMC in service and worship.Lynelle was the longtime caregiver for…