UNITARIANISM

Jean's need for community was evident throughout her life. Upon moving to Las Vegas she and her husband sought out the local fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, as they had done in other cities. The group was not very well organized, however, and not many people responded to the Fords' attempts to create more of a Unitarian family. They abandoned their involvement with the local group and instead joined the Church of the Larger Fellowship, which provided Unitarian materials such as sermons and magazines through the mail.

Later in her life, after moving to Carson City, Jean became deeply involved with the Reno Fellowship, serving as President from 1994 to 1996. Unitarian philosophy fit in perfectly with Jean's beliefs. She related to the Unitarian focus on life on earth rather than the hereafter and she was very much in tune with basic Unitarian concepts such as helping others, acceptance of others, and respect for the democratic process.