Etta Mae Ford was born 1924, in Giddings, Texas. As the only child, she was raised by her great-grandmother, Hattie Talley. While only nine months old, she suffered the loss of her Mother and Grandmother, within the same year, of contracting Pneumonia. At the early age of three years old, Etta had to work hard in the hot fields of Texas. She cut cod wood and picked cotton, among other chores. As the years passed, she learned the importance of education and after her exhausting daily work, she concentrated on her academics, and excelled in her studies. Knowledge became power to her, and in the eighth grade, she was selected to teach the local children, who worked in the field, their basic education and literacy. Additionally, she continued to focus on education of which advanced her to win the National Spelling Bee Contest, in her junior year of high school, representing the State of Texas.

Soon after her academic accomplishments, she was forced to face life’s realities and return to the harsh work. She became a domestic worker, entering the back door, as a cook, nanny, maid and performing all other assigned tasks. As she became older, her life would consist of two abusive marriages, a long-term abusive relationship and fourteen children, from the combined unions. Afterwards, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona seeking employment and a better life for her children. There, she continued to work hard and continued to promote education for her children. Unfortunately, she could not afford the expenses of school materials and was extended an invitation to relocate to Stockton, California. Etta arrived in Stockton, in 1964, with ten children, leaving four children, who were grown and with their families. Her eldest child was seventeen, and with eight dollars and a truck load of Hope, she relocated to Stockton, seeking a quality education for her children and continuing her hope in Christ.

Southeast Stockton remained her home until her death, 2008. Prior to her death, her health declined and she was restricted to her bed for over eleven years. During those taxing years, she continued to cling to her faith and the pursuit of transforming her beloved Southeast community. She never gave up! Being totally bedridden, she coordinated several activities and events, they included, a Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which fed over 800 residents, the “Solid Foundation,” which assisted the homeless population with food, resources and wrap around services, she coordinated efforts to donate, large size clothes, shoes and other items to San Joaquin Haven of Peace, women shelter, she cooked food and delivered to those who were living unsheltered, and would consistently keep a “pot” on the stove, for those who needed comfort. Additionally, she raised money to collect school supplies for children and adult learners, which was her passion, she purchased appliances for her church, so that the church can be equipped to help those who were in need. Her favorite saying was, “That could be one of my children, and you have to help and give HOPE.” Through it all, Etta, continued to smile, wave her hands in praise and be the example of having a GOLDEN HEART!

Today, the Dome of Hope has expanded her efforts and serves from two locations throughout the San Joaquin Region. ETTA’s Collaborative Learning Center, which is also the headquarters for the organization is in downtown Stockton and the Satellite Office, serves the community of Southeast Stockton and abroad. Both locations and the foundation of the Dome, stands as a recipient of her contributions and gives a Memorial Tribute to the life of Mrs. Etta Mae Ford, the “Root,” a true community transformer and legend.