Iva Lee Vann Ford

Iva Lee Vann Ford

Tupelo- Iva Lee Vann Ford, age 91, went to be with her heavenly Father on December 21, 2025, at the Griffis House in the Traceway Retirement Community. She was born on May 8, 1934, in Detroit, Alabama, to Webster Lamar and Margie Cantrell Vann.

Iva graduated from Vaughn’s Beauty College in 1959. She worked at Ruth's Beauty Salon in Hatley, Mississippi, before opening her own salon in Hatley, She moved to Tupelo in 1967 and in 1972 opened Iva’s Beauty Shop. For over three decades, she earned her living there and enjoyed the friendships of her many customers. She was a longtime member of Harrisburg Baptist Church, where she worked with preschool children and sang in the choir. She especially enjoyed participating in the Easter and Christmas programs.

After retiring, Iva enjoyed walking at the mall with her friends, working in her yard, reading, and participating in the senior adult activities at HBC. However, the time she spent with her grandchildren, Ben and Sarah, was most precious to her. They had many adventures, tremendous fun, and made memories that have lasted throughout the years. She shaped their lives in many positive ways.

Iva is survived by her daughter, Sherri Ford Childers (Johnny); grandson, Benjamin Barkley Childers; granddaughter, Sarah Childers Yates (James); great-grandchildren, Olivia Yates, Hannah Yates, and Luke Yates all of Tupelo; sister, Paulette Crosby (Glenn); brother, David Vann, both of Amory; and a host of nieces and nephews across the country.

Iva was preceded in death by her parents, Webster Lamar and Margie Cantrell Vann; brothers, Jessie Vann, Tom Vann, and Junior Vann; and sisters, Allie Hendrix, Etta Saget, and Ovil Taylor.

Visitation will be 12 p.m. until service time Friday, December 26, 2025, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring the life of Mrs. Iva will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Bro. David Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Lee Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be James Yates, Glenn Crosby, Norman Vann, David Allen Vann, Keith Vann, and Conner Vann.

Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Saget, Kenneth Vann, Kevin Vann, Zach Robinson, and Jeremy Taylor.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.