Shasma (Ford)

Baptiste

On Friday, February 3, 1967, in Marianna, Florida, God allowed Haywood and Callie Thomas to become the beloved parents of Shasma Yolanda (Thomas) Ford Baptiste, the oldest of three siblings.

Being educated in the Public School System of Jackson County, Shasma graduated from Marianna High School, Class of 1985. She then attended Chipola Junior College where she received her Associate of Arts Degree. Continuing to move forward in life, she attended Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree. She furthered her studies at Troy State University and the University of Phoenix, where she was in the process of receiving her Masters Degree. Shasma was employed with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Marianna, Florida, Miami, Florida, and Tallahassee, Florida, from which she retired.

She was a member of New Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Marianna, Florida. She served in various capacities, especially enjoying singing in the choir and playing the piano.

She was married to Michael A. Ford, Sr., and to this union two sons were born. She then met and married Tyron Baptiste, and to this union a son was born.

On, Friday, August 1, 2014, in the Shand's Hospital at UF in Gainesville, Florida, Shasma peacefully slipped away to be with the Lord forevermore.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving husband: Tyron Baptiste; beloved parents: Haywood and Callie Thomas; beautiful children: Michael A. Ford, Jr., Christian A. Ford, James A. Ford Baptiste, Deron T. Baptiste, and Anastasia R. Baptiste; brothers: Haywood Thomas, Jr. (Michon) and James Thomas (Kimonetia); god-children: Kenton Curry and LeAnne Ponder; nieces: Courtney, Kennedi, and Dadrianna; nephews: Damian, Dominique and Justin; aunts: Nancy Cox, Naomi Clemmons, Eulice Bryant (Elmore), Daisy Green (Charles), and Ernestine Young; uncles: Allen Thomas (Juanita) and James Oscar Long; mother-in-law: Jacquelyn Murray; along with a host of cousins, other relatives and many sorrowful friends.