Cheryl Jean Culumber Ford

Cheryl Jean Culumber Ford, 78, of Sebring, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2025. She was born on December 08, 1946 in Pana, Illinois to the late Norman E. and Barbara L. Riley Culumber. Cheryl moved to Sebring with her husband, Charles B. “Chuck” Ford, III, in 2010 from Bella Vista, Arkansas.

Cheryl is survived by her beloved husband, Chuck Ford; her daughter Jody L. McCormick (Devra) of Sebring, Florida; stepson Charles B. Ford, IV (Nancy); and stepdaughter Kristin V. Allen (Brett) of Harrisburg, Illinois. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara Ellen Nelson (Delbert) of Sebring, Florida and LuAnn Ingram (Ed) of Chalfont, Pennsylvania as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lastly she is survived by her beloved pet Shotzie who stood faithfully by Cheryl’s side to the end. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John E. Culumber (Georgia).

Cheryl was a 1965 graduate of Tower Hill High School, Tower Hill, Illinois. After a few semesters of college at Southern Illinois University she returned home to help her parents operate a chain of women’s clothing stores named Barbara’s Fashions with the first store opened in Pana, Illinois. The trio ran the business for 30+ years in several locations. They closed the business in 1999 and at that time Cheryl and Chuck started building log cabins. Cheryl met Chuck Ford during a business trip for Barbara’s and the couple enjoyed 38+ years together playing golf, traveling, and building log cabins. Cheryl was a pillar in the Shelbyville, Illinois community for many years, serving as Chair and President of the Greater Shelbyville (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce and the Shelby Country Club (Illinois) Women’s Golf league. After she moved to Sebring, Florida she spent time on the Country Club of Sebring women’s league and board. She was an avid golfer and empowered many women in sport. She was known for her business savvy, get it done attitude, and hearty laughter. She made lasting connections throughout her life and always said “for a kid from Tower Hill, Illinois I did all right.” She was able to enjoy a memorable life.

Cheryl will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870