Eliza L. Ward, 69, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Eliza was born in Decent, MS on November 15, 1946. She was the daughter of the late Cora (Berry) and Isaac Johnson Sr.
On July 9, 1966 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Jimmie Lee Ward Sr., who preceded her in death on December 19, 2011. She was a longtime and active member of Greater St. Luke’s Baptist Church and member of their usher board. Eliza enjoyed her extended telephone conversations. More than anything she devoted and treasured time spent with her family.
She leaves to cherish her memory and will be dearly missed by her six children: Tommie (Quen) Johnson, Mary (Troy) Beadles, Jeanette Brown, Jimmie Lee Ward Jr., Joyce Ann Ward, Marsha Holloway; eighteen grandchildren, Antinique “Queen Bee”, Alexander, Austin, Tiara, Mario, Troy, Maurice, Tiffany, Jimmal, Jimmesha, Neko, Dequan, Maria, Justice, Moesha, M’Neisha, Michael, and Isaac; twenty-five great-grandchildren; sister and best friend, Beatrice (Lewis) Givens; sister, Parmelia Stevenson; brother, Oscar (Linda) Henderson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rosemary (Henry) Townes, Johnny Ray, LeRoy, Allen Ward, Juanita Johnson, Jean Johnson; special cousins, Ruby, Tom, and Ernestine; special nephew, Joseph McCoy; and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her brothers, George and Isaac Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifton and Mattie Ward.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 18 at Greater St. Luke’s Baptist Church, 1326 State Street with Rev. Joseph Pipes officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Monday at the church.
A very special thank you to Eliza’s loving grandchildren for the love and compassion shown to her.
