Martha Ford

$1.40 B

Ranked #1605 in World

About Martha Ford

Martha Firestone Ford, born on September 16, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, emerged as a prominent figure in the NFL world by inheriting the Detroit Lions' ownership in 2014, following her husband's demise. A graduate from Vassar College and daughter to Harvey S. Firestone Jr., Martha was among the rare female NFL team owners until she passed the reins to her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, on June 23, 2020. Married to William Clay Ford, with whom she had four children, Martha's tenure as owner marked a significant chapter in the Detroit Lions' history, characterizing her influence in the sports industry. Currently, she resides in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, maintaining her legacy within the Ford family lineage.

Born

September 16, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.

Age

100 years

Source Of Wealth

Ford Motor

Industries

Automotive

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Grosse Pointe, Michigan

Spouse

William Clay Ford Sr. (Married: 1947; died 2014)

Parent

Harvey S. Firestone Jr., Elizabeth Parke Firestone

Martha Firestone Ford was born on September 16, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the daughter of Harvey S. Firestone Jr., the president of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, and Elizabeth Parke Firestone.

Martha grew up in a wealthy and prominent family in Akron, Ohio. She attended Our Lady of the Elms High School, a private Catholic school for girls, and graduated in 1943.

After high school, Martha attended Vassar College, a private liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, New York. She graduated from Vassar in 1946 with a degree in English.

Martha Ford: Family

Martha Firestone married William Clay Ford, the grandson of Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, in 1947. They had four children together: Martha Parke Morse, Sheila Ford Hamp, William Clay Ford Jr., and Elizabeth Ford Kontulis.

Martha and William were married for over 60 years until William's death in 2014. Martha currently resides in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.

Martha Ford: Career Highlights

Martha Firestone Ford became involved in the Detroit Lions, an American football team based in Detroit, Michigan, after her husband's death in 2014.

She became the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions, making her one of only ten women who owned NFL teams during her tenure.

Martha stepped down as the Lions' owner on June 23, 2020, and was succeeded by her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp.

Martha Ford: Companies

Martha Firestone Ford was involved in several companies throughout her life, including:

Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
Ford Motor Company
Detroit Lions

Martha Ford: Major Achievements

Martha Firestone Ford's major achievements include:

Becoming the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions
Being one of ten women who owned NFL teams during her tenure
Leading the Detroit Lions to several successful seasons

Martha Ford: Awards & Achievements

Martha Firestone Ford received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the community and her work in the automotive industry, including:

The Automotive Hall of Fame (2019)
The Michigan Women's Hall of Fame (2018)
The Horatio Alger Award (2017)

Martha Ford: Personal Life & Legacy

Martha Firestone Ford is known for her philanthropic work and her commitment to various charitable organizations.

She has made significant contributions to education, healthcare, and the arts in the Detroit area.

Martha Firestone Ford's legacy is one of leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to her family and community.

Martha Ford: Trivia

Martha Firestone Ford was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying.
She was an avid golfer and a member of several golf clubs.
Martha was also a talented artist and enjoyed painting and drawing.

Wealth History

Timeline

September 16, 1925

Martha Firestone Ford is born in Cleveland, Ohio.

1943

Graduates from Our Lady of the Elms High School in Akron.

1946

Graduates from Vassar College.

1947

Marries William Clay Ford, grandson of Henry Ford.

2014

Becomes the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions after her husband's death.

June 23, 2020

Steps down as Lions' owner, succeeded by her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp.

Martha Ford : FAQs

What is Martha Ford's net worth?

As of 2019, Martha Ford's net worth was $1.40 billion.

What are Martha Ford's main sources of wealth?

Martha Ford's main source of income comes from Ford Motor.

In which industry does Martha Ford primarily operate?

Martha Ford is primarily involved in the Automotive industry.

How old is Martha Ford?

Martha Ford is 100 years old.

How many children does Martha Ford have?

Martha Ford has 4 children.

Who is Martha Firestone Ford and when was she born?

Martha Firestone Ford is a prominent figure best known for her tenure as the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions. She was born on September 16, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio.

How is Martha Firestone Ford related to the Firestone and Ford families?

Martha Firestone Ford is the daughter of Harvey S. Firestone Jr. and Elizabeth Parke Firestone. She further solidified her connection to influential American families by marrying William Clay Ford, the grandson of Henry Ford, in 1947.

What are Martha Firestone Ford's educational achievements?

Martha Firestone Ford graduated from Our Lady of the Elms High School in Akron in 1943 and from Vassar College in 1946, showcasing her commitment to education from a young age.

When did Martha Firestone Ford become the principal owner of the Detroit Lions?

Martha Firestone Ford became the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions after her husband's death in 2014, marking a significant moment in her life and the history of the team.

Who succeeded Martha Firestone Ford as the owner of the Detroit Lions, and when?

Martha Firestone Ford stepped down as the owner of the Detroit Lions on June 23, 2020, and was succeeded by her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp, ensuring the continuation of family leadership within the team.