Local school loses longtime faculty member unexpectedly

SAVANNAH, Tenn.– “I was shocked. I’m still in shock,” said Wes Wilkerson, athletic director and assistant principal of Hardin County High School.

Wilkerson said he along with students and staff are taken aback by the sudden death of Jeanna Gail Ford Saturday night.

“They texted me back a little later that night and informed me that Ms. Jeanna had not made it,” Wilkerson said.

He said news of Ford’s passing has had an effect on everyone at Hardin County High School, but mostly the cheerleaders.

“Ms. Jeanna had driven them to every football game, every away basketball game, she had even, when they would go to cheerleading camp, she had even gone with them and just stayed at the camp, didn’t take them and just drop them off,” Wilkerson said.

“She was the biggest Hardin County High School supporter,” Wilkerson said.

Wilkerson said Ford meant so much more to the students and staff than what she did for them.

 “She was a spit-fire, she was outspoken, she was going to let you know exactly what she thought,” Wilkerson said. “But the thing about her, she was so kind. She loved kids.”

“To know that she’s not going to be with us at these events and games and stuff anymore, it’s heartbreaking,” Wilkerson said.

He said moving forward without Ms. Jeanna will never be the same.

“If we fill her job, that’s one thing, and find somebody to drive the bus, that’s another thing, but to replace Ms. Jeanna Ford — I don’t think we can do it. It can’t be done,” Wilkerson said.

There’s no immediate word on the cause of Ford’s death.

Wilkerson said counselors will be available at Hardin County High School for students and staff.