Death of 16-year old Raeford girl brings pain and sadness

"Ticha" (Jerticha) Ford was a student at Turlington High School

Twin sister "Nicha" (Jernicha) struggles with pain and loss

by Thomas H. McKinney

Standing on the family's front porch, Nicha Ford struggles to hold back her tears as she talks about her 16-year old twin sister Ticha, who died after another teenager accidentally discharged a gun. Speaking very softly, she explains how her twin sister was shy with strangers, but friendly and outgoing with those she knew well.

Ticha loved her friends, listening to music, and talking on the phone. Like her twin sister Nicha, Ticha attended Turlington High School.

For 16 years, Nicha and Ticha were always very close to each other. But now Ticha is gone.

The girls' mother, Marsha, sits nearby on the porch and watches with a look of sadness as her daughter speaks. At the time of the accident, Marsha was at her job. She works at the Unilever plant near downtown Raeford.

Marsha Ford is a person whose manner projects kindness and a gentle nature. And she is a mother who has just lost one of her twin daughters.

Trying to be supportive and protective, family and friends continually come on to the porch to check on both Nicha and her mother. There are many hugs and soft-spoken words of comfort and support.

Thomas H. McKinney can be reached at tomhmckinney@gmail.com or at 257-7897.