Georgeanna Ford, 93, of Covington, Ind., died at 10:15 a.m. EST Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at Five Star Residences of Banta Pointe, Indianapolis.

Georgeanna Ford was born February 27, 1925, in Attica, Ind. She was a daughter of the late James L. and Eleanor Pearl (Hickman) Bodine.

Georgeanna married the late Donald Eugene Ford on June 5, 1949, in Covington.

Georgeanna's survivors include a son, Stephen Bruce (Brenda McDaniel) Ford of Greenwood, Ind.; a daughter, Cheryl Orr of Gulfport, Fla.; granddaughters Jennifer Eddins, Charlottesville, Va., Sarah (Michael) Burnett, Paragon, Ind., Katie (Clint) Phelps, St. Petersburg, Fla., Ashley (Troy) Goble, Danville, Ill.; Stephanie (Adam) Schott, Indianapolis; grandson, Stephen (Ashley) Ford, Greenwood, Ind.; and great-grandchildren, Abigail, Alison and Andrew Burnett, Jayden Eddins, Logan and Tanner Phelps, Reese Goble, Lilly and Lexi Ford, and Zoey Schott. Georgeanna was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Eleanor Gayler, and a brother, James R. Bodine.

Georgeanna graduated from Covington High School in 1943 and from Franklin College in 1948. She began her teaching career at Covington High School in 1949 as the girls' physical education teacher. She served as sponsor of the Girls Athletic Association (GAA).

During her career, Georgeanna strived to develop equal athletic opportunities for female athletes. In 1972, Georgeanna organized Covington High Schools' first volleyball team and assumed the role of the varsity volleyball coach. Georgeanna's reign as CHS varsity volleyball coach lasted a span of 15 years, until she retired from teaching in January 1987.

In addition to pioneering a successful volleyball program, she also furthered the sport of volleyball by training athletes who in turn have become coaches of the sport. Some additional honors include Indiana Collegiate Girls State Association Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1999, Franklin College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012, and Covington High School Alumni Wall of Fame in 2017.

Georgeanna Ford's contribution to Covington High School and the Wabash River Conference is immeasurable. Her love of sports and competitive nature was also demonstrated in her involvement in bowling leagues, playing bridge and participating in golf throughout her life.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. EST Monday, January 28, and the funeral will be at 11 a.m. EST Tuesday, January 29, at Shelby Funeral Home in Covington. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery following service.

Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the Don and Georgeanna Ford Athletic Scholarship Fund at Western Indiana Community Foundation (WICF). www.shelbyfuneralhome.com