Dorothy Bowles Ford is known for her connection with the Fords, a prominent political family in the United States. She’s the mother of Harold Ford Jr., a former U.S. congressman, businessman, author, and industrialist.
But what do we know about her story?
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about the former Tennessee legislator’s mother. Let’s talk about Dorothy’s early life, career, and marriage to the Ford family!
Dorothy Bowles Ford Profile
Here’s a summary of Dorothy Bowles Ford’s details:
- Full Name: Dorothy Bowles Ford
- Age: 74 (As of January 2024)
- Date of Birth: October 1949
- Place of Birth: Memphis, Tennessee
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Religion: Christianity
- Spouse: Harold Eugene Ford Sr. (Divorced)
- Children: Harold Jr, Sir Isaac, Newton Jake
- Current Residence: New York City
- Famous As: The mother of former congressman Harold Ford Jr.
The Story of Dorothy Bowles Ford
Although married to a notable political household, Dorothy Bowles Ford managed to maintain a private life. Here’s everything you should know about the Ford family’s matriarch:
Early Life
Growing at a time before the internet, information about Dorothy’s background is scarce. She was born in October 1949, making her 74 as of January 2024.
Dorothy was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. However, there’s no record of her parents, siblings, or close relatives.
Career History
Dorothy Bowles Ford worked as an employee at Potomac Electric Power Company in Washington, D.C. She was the company’s functions regulator and consumer coordinator, assisting client needs and complaints.
That said, as a congressman’s wife, Dorothy’s job extended to her husband’s administrative work. Besides her formal roles, she was responsible for handling the concerns of her husband’s constituents.
She even shared her experience answering late-night urgent calls and resolving issues when her husband wasn’t around. “Somebody has to do it,” she said.
Commending her wife’s efforts, the former U.S. congressman would later refer to Dorothy as “inspiring, guiding, and able to weather the storm.”
Dorothy’s passion for public service is evident throughout her career. She was active in the political scene and once worked with the Department of Agriculture to improve school lunch programs in Tennessee.
Dorothy Bowles Ford’s Husband
Dorothy Bowles Ford’s husband is the former congressman Harold Eugene Ford Sr. He was the first African-American to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Congress.
The young Dorothy met Harold Sr. in high school and quickly fell in love. The two dated and eventually tied the knot in a secret wedding in February 1969.
Dorothy and Harold Sr.’s union bore three children. They stayed together for over 30 years before separating in 1999. The couple kept the reason for their divorce private.
Shortly after their split, Harold Sr. would remarry to Michelle Roberts, a former NBA executive director. The couple has two children, Andrew and Ava Ford.
Dorothy never remarried and stayed single after the divorce. Though divorced, Dorothy Ford still carries the surname of her ex-spouse and son’s father.
Dorothy Bowles Ford’s Children
Dorothy Bowles Ford and Harold Eugene Ford have been blessed with three children in their three decades of marriage: Harold Jr., Newton Jake, and Sir Isaac.
Harold Eugene Ford Jr.
Harold Ford Jr. is Dorothy’s eldest son. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he immediately worked on the Senate Budget Committee.
Willing to inherit his father’s mantle, Harold Ford Jr. became one of the youngest African-American congress representatives at 26. He served in Congress for ten years, from 1997 to 2007.
Newton Jake Ford
Jake Ford, the second son of Dorothy, is a former Democratic member of Tennessee’s State Senate. He ran for Congress in 2006 as an independent candidate and lost.
Although he’s since lived a private life, Jake Ford once attracted attention from the media with his brushes with the law.
Sir Isaac Ford
Dorothy’s youngest son, Sir Isaac Ford, also attempted to earn his place in politics. In 2003, he ran as a member of the Memphis City Council but was unsuccessful.
He managed Jake Ford’s bid for Congress in 2006, which became his last political involvement.
What is Dorothy Bowles Ford’s Net Worth?
Harold Eugene Ford Jr. with his Wife Image source: Google
As the wife of the former congressman Harold Eugene Ford Sr., experts estimate Dorothy Bowles Ford’s net worth to be $1 million. Her eldest son, Harold Ford Jr., has an estimated net worth of $3 million.
Final Thoughts
Dorothy Bowles Ford remains a widely recognized name for her role in the Ford family. Despite her divorce, she remained an unwavering support for his family and son, Harold Ford Jr.
Although Dorothy Bowles Ford has since disappeared from the public eye, her story is a perfect example of resilience and commitment to public service and family.
