What is Martha Firestone Ford’s Net Worth?

Martha Firestone Ford, an American businesswoman, has a net worth of $800 million. She was married to William Clay Ford, Henry Ford’s grandson, until his death in 2014. However, her wealth did not solely come from marriage. Her grandfather was Harvey Firestone, the founder of Firestone and Rubber Company. Ford was also the former owner and chairwoman of the Detroit Lions of the NFL.

Early Life

Martha Parke Firestone Ford was born on September 16, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her parents were Harvey S. Firestone Jr. and Elizabeth Parke Firestone. Her paternal grandparents were Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. founder, Harvey Samuel Firestone, and his wife, Idabelle Smith Firestone.

Education

Martha Firestone Ford graduated from Vassar College in 1946.

Martha Firestone Ford’s Ownership of the Detroit Lions

Martha Firestone Ford became the majority owner of the Detroit Lions after her husband’s death. She was defined by her accountability and willingness to spend on the football team, leading a privately financed renovation of Ford Field in 2017. Martha wasn’t afraid to shake things up either, firing longtime president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew.

She stepped down as owner in 2020 and was succeeded by her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp. By the end of her tenure, Martha was one of only 10 female NFL team owners.

Martha Firestone Ford’s Personal Life

Martha Firestone Ford met her husband, William Clay Ford, at a lunch arranged by their mothers in New York. They got married in 1947 and had four children together. William passed away in 2014, and Martha has 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also on the board of the Henry Ford Health System. The Ford family had long lived in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Martha now resides in the house she and William had built on Lake St. Clair in 1960.

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