Annie L Ford-Yancey

Annie Julia Luckie (Judy) was the cherished daughter of Emmanuel Luckie and Clara McRae. She was born on December 14, 1938, in Miami, Florida. From an early age, Annie was rooted in faith at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, where she was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Annie became a member of the choir and performed as a soprano. She truly found joy in singing and contributing to her church. Later in life, she would follow in the footsteps of her mother, Clara, and join Glendale Missionary Baptist Church. Annie's educational journey began at Booker T. Washington High School, where she graduated in 1956. Her thirst for knowledge led her to further her education at Florida Normal and the esteemed Hampton Institute, culminating in a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University in 1961. After relocating to California, she received her master's degree from California State University, Long Beach. Annie's educational pursuits laid the foundation for her illustrious career as an educator—a vocation she embraced with passion and dedication. In 1966, Annie's heart found its counterpart in Oscar Ford Jr., and the two embarked on a life journey together in California. Their union was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Ma'Keba, in November 1968. Annie's role as a mother was one she cherished deeply, and her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family to everyone she encountered. After the end of her first marriage, she was blessed to remarry Albert L Yancey in September of 1987. They were married until his passing in 2003. Annie's career in education was both varied and distinguished. She held numerous roles, from a devoted teacher to a language arts specialist, eventually serving as an assistant principal at two schools in Long Beach, California. In 1981, Annie relocated to Stone Mountain, Georgia, where she became a curriculum consultant for the State of Georgia. Her remarkable career reached its pinnacle when she assumed the role of Superintendent of Hancock County Schools in Sparta, Georgia—a position she held with grace and authority until her retirement in 2003. Upon retiring, Annie returned to her Miami roots to care for her beloved mother, Clara Brooks. Her commitment to family was paralleled by her devotion to her faith community at Glendale Baptist Church, where she remained an active member. Through her church involvement, Annie continued to touch lives, just as she had throughout her professional career. Annie's passion for writing was a defining aspect of her life. She published her first book, "My Soul Bone Aches," in 1973. That same year, Annie was featured in the book American Black Women in the Arts and Social Sciences by Ora Williams. In 1977, she wrote a choreopoem, "This Has Nothing to Do with Hating You," which was performed on various college campuses throughout California. This same choreopoem was presented again in 2010 at South Dade Senior High. Her later works, including "The Enduring Power of Love...," "In Search of Mt. Sinai" and "Black or White Polka Dot" further solidified her legacy as a prolific writer. Annie's passion for storytelling was not confined to her own work; as the CEO of Writer Write, Inc., she created a platform for aspiring writers and provided scholarships to high school students, fostering new generations of storytellers. Annie, a beloved matriarch whose life was a testament to love, education, and the power of the written word, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at the age of 87. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those around her. Her gifts extended beyond her professional accomplishments. Annie's life was a melody of love, compassion, and joy, her spirit living on in the hearts of those she touched. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin, Annie's warmth and love for life, family, and friends will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and faith in the goodness of God will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. The family of Annie L. Ford-Yancey holds her memory close, honoring a life lived with purpose and grace. She leaves behind a world made better by her presence, forever cherished and never forgotten. Loved ones preceding her death are her parents, Emmanuel Luckie and Clara McRae; husbands, Oscar Ford Jr. and Albert Yancey. Son-in-law, Levi Kelly Jr.; Siblings: Eugene Luckie, Melva Oni, Emma Luckie; Aunts: Iretha Bryant, Ora Roberts, Alberta Holmes;Uncle: Joseph McRae Jr.; Brother-in-law, John Yancey Sr.; Sister-in-law, Juanita Yancey. Left to cherish the precious memories are her daughter, Ma'Keba Kelly, grandson, Camren Ford Kelly, and her granddaughter, Shadè Kelly. Siblings: Dr. Charles Brooks Jr., Henrietta Luckie (Ritchie), Edgar Luckie (Pamela), Emmanuel Luckie. Brother-in-law Melvin Ford. Aunt Celia Grant (Rufus). Stepsons, Albert Yancey (Tina), Adrian Yancey (Tonia), and Andre Yancey (Patricia). Nieces, Bebe Yancey and Chasity Brooks. Nephews, Chasmin and Chase Brooks. Sister-in-laws Terrie Brooks and Renae Brooks, and a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, and step-grandchildren. Her beloved extended family includes the Kelly, Berry, and Sylhomme families.