Dorothy Bowles Ford: The Story Behind Harold Ford Jr.’s Mother

Dorothy Bowles Ford is an extraordinary woman with deep roots in American politics. She is best known as the mother of Harold Ford Jr., a former US Congressman who represented the state from 1997 until 2007. Dorothy was married to another outstanding political icon, Harold Ford Sr., who for upwards of twenty years represented Tennessee’s 9th congressional district.

The daughter of a civil rights activist, Dorothy’s life was built on the politically laden legacy of her family. She reared three sons, Harold Jr., Jake, and Isaac with her while supporting her husband through a long career in Congress. Since their divorce in 1999, Dorothy has remained an active community leader in Memphis, Tennessee.

While she is far less in the spotlight than her ex-husband and son, Dorothy Bowles Ford has herself been an influential figure behind the scenes. Strong, and supportive, she paved the way for the zeniths her family members were to reach in politics. All this proves that a mother stands as a powerful influence on the coming generation of leaders.

Quick Bio

Who is Dorothy Bowles Ford?

Dorothy Bowles Ford has grown deep roots in America’s political landscape. She is the mother of Harold Ford Jr., former U.S. Congressman, and the ex-wife of Harold Ford Sr., another powerhouse in politics.

From humble beginnings, Dorothy rose to prominence in her own right. She is held dear for her intellect, generosity, and resilience.

As the matriarch of the Ford family, Dorothy had been of prime importance in their political dynasty beyond that into the political worlds of husband and children.

She enjoys doing social work and community-based advocacy, having spent a major part of her life serving others and trying to contribute positively toward social good.

While her ex-husband and son were pushed into the political limelight, Dorothy created her identity in the corporate world. She worked hard to reach the place where she is now.

Dorothy’s life story is an inspiration, having faced challenges and risen to employ her experiences to fuel her commitment to philanthropy and community service.

Even following her divorce from Harold Ford Sr., Dorothy’s name remains synonymous with politics. Her impact on the political course her family has taken is irrepressible.

Early Life

Dorothy Bowles Ford was born in 1955 in Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up in an intact African-American community which molded her values when she was young.

Dorothy’s childhood was bathed with love and attention from her family, although the number of her brothers and sisters is not so certain from the available information.

When she was young, Dorothy had a keen interest in learning. She completed her schooling in local schools in Nashville, where she was known to be a bright and inquisitive student.

Hard work and education were two virtues instilled into her by her parents. Indeed these values would prove to be quite useful later in life.

During the 1950s and 60s, Dorothy grew up with the civil rights movement. That experience no doubt greatly influenced her future commitment to social justice.

She attended Fisk University in her hometown for college. Here, she majored in sociology, which demonstrates an interest in people and society.

After Fisk, Dorothy relocated to Memphis. It is this relocation that ultimately set the mold for her life and that of her family.

Career Beginnings

Dorothy Bowles Ford had to start her career when opportunities for African American women were at an all-time low. She had to work hard to lay the foundation upon which her family’s success was built.

Her husband, Harold Ford Sr., launched his career in the 1970s. Supporting her husband for office in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, she helped him with campaigns while taking care of a growing family.

While Harold Sr. was into politics, Dorothy managed to balance work and family life. She too worked out of the house, but what exactly she did is not quite clear. Her sacrifices allowed Harold Sr. to realize his political ambition.

The Fords were a political family in Tennessee. There she stood behind her husband as Harold Sr. became one of the first African American congressmen from that state and served in the U.S. House of Representatives for many years.

Early career choices by Dorothy set the foundation for her sons’ futures too: the oldest, Harold Ford Jr., followed dad into politics, serving as a U.S. Congressman for the same district as his dad.

Who is Dorothy Bowles Ford’s Son?

Dorothy Bowles Ford is the mother of Harold Ford Jr. Taking after his father, he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007.

Born to Dorothy and Harold Ford, Sr., Harold Jr. was born in 1970 to a very political and public-spirited family. In this background, his future career would be molded. In 2007, Harold Jr. married Emily Threlkeld. They have two children between them, making Dorothy a proud grandmother. Through it all, the Fords never forgot that family always comes first.

They divorced in 1999 after 30 years of marriage, which was quite strenuous on the children and the family in general, even though they stood by each other throughout. Harold Sr. afterward married again and had two other children, Andrew and Ava.

The son has frequently spoken publicly throughout his career about what his mother meant to him in his life. Her commitment to community service led her son into a life of public service.

Dorothy Bowles Ford’s net worth

The exact net worth of Dorothy Bowles Ford is not known. Some sources assume it could be approximately around $1 million, but it is not verified.

Her family connections are interesting: Her son, Dorothy’s son, Harold Ford Jr., did well for himself. His net worth is something around $3 million. Her husband or ex, Harold Ford, Sr, reportedly sits on from $1 to $6 million.

Remember, net worth is not just having cash in the bank. It can be in the form of houses, cars, and other valuables. Who knows what other things Dorothy has?

After all, Dorothy’s treasure may just be in her family and the life she has lived. Money is but part of a person’s story.

Social Media

Dorothy Bowles Ford is a private person in terms of being in social media forums: she does not have open accounts on any of the mainstream sites: Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. This is pretty normal for people of her generation; they cherish their privacy.

Her son Harold Ford Jr. is more active online. He uses social media to express his views on political and current events. Being the former congressman and contributor to Fox News, this way he gets across with many of his followers.

People may wonder why Dorothy keeps herself offline; perhaps she is private, maybe she does not like the extra scrutiny, or she simply just likes talking to people in person. Even without social media, Dorothy exerts an influence.

Her family’s political legacy speaks volumes. She was supporting her husband and son’s public service careers behind the scenes. While Dorothy will never tweet or post a status update, her presence in her community is real. She is a quiet strength and a matriarch to her family. And in today’s connected world, sometimes it is staying unplugged that’s a powerful choice.

Future Prospects and Vision

In years to come, Dorothy Bowles Ford will no doubt make more impacts. She had given a very good foundation to the people who came after her. She was a role model for many people to serve the public and fight for their rights.

Dorothy’s family continued her legacy of political involvement; they’ve taken up the virtues of reaching out to people in need and giving them a voice. Perhaps one day her grandchildren will follow suit.

Community groups inspired by Dorothy continue to strive for neighborhood improvement. They have taken up her causes, including education and civil rights. Her dream lives on through them.