A Time to Plant Denise Michelle Ford was born on October 28, 1963. She was the first of three girls born Zula Ford and the late William Ford II. Instilled in her was a strong faith in God, the relevance and value of education and the importance of advocating for civil rights and loving and serving her community. In preparation for the life, she was to live, she began her early education at Saint Simons and Bethany School in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated high school in 1981 from Ursuline Academy, where she was active in the Choral Choir and Outdoors Club. There she was an Archbishop Alter Scholar and a NAACP Student Member. Throughout this time, she remained an active member of Saint Martin De Porres Catholic Church in Lincoln Heights, Ohio. She had a strong faith in God and remained diligent in her tidings while taking leadership roles in the church, such as, Youth Group Leader, Choir President, Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Facilitator, Chosen Praise and Harambee African and Liturgical Dancer.

A Time to Prosper She graduated from Howard University, a Historical Black College, with a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering. At this time, she was active with the National Society of Black Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 1990 she obtained her Master's in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati. In addition to being an entrepreneur and working with the Ohio Transportation Cabinet as a Civil Engineer, she went on to become the first African American female Civil Engineer for the State of Kentucky's Department of Transportation. She took major roles in planning and designing bridges and roadways in both Ohio and Kentucky. Throughout her successful career, she received a multitude of awards and recognitions for her service, leadership, mentorship, and compassion. Despite her courageous and lengthy battle with mental illness and other health issues, Denise directed her energy into creative and innovative avenues and remained resilient.

A Time to Mourn Denise leaves to cherish her memories a devoted Mother, Zula Rease Ford, two faithful and adoring younger sisters, Lisa Ford-Crawford (Jeffrey) and Dellisa Ford-Edwards (Darin), one protective niece, Alexandria Crawford three loving nephews, Joshua Crawford (Angie), Dakarai Edwards and Damani Edwards, and a special cousin Joni McCarter. Welcoming her into Heaven will be her father William Ford II, her nephew Roman Crawford, her grandparents, Rayfield and Willie May Rease and Willam and Elenora Ford Sr., great grandmother Emma Wilson, a host of Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and her best friend (Marilynn).

Well done thy good and faithful servant, well done.