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Jean Ward came into this world November 23, 1931 in rural West Virginia, a coal miner’s daughter born to Annie and Noah Saunders. The first of three daughters – Jean, Janet, and Joyce- Jean grew up with her sisters on a small farm and started education in a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated early from high school and moved to the big city, Huntington, working as an operator for Ma Bell, the phone company at the time. In Huntington she met the love of her life Bill Ward, who was starting a career in federal government in Washington, DC.
Jean and Bill married in June 1951, but their plans were interrupted by the Korean War and Bill’s enlistment in the Air Force. Four years later they resumed civilian life and started raising a family in Fairfax, Virginia, balancing their work lives with raising two kids, Steve and Sandra, and a social life centered on family and the Methodist Church. Summers were spent back in West Virginia, enjoying the company of grandparents and cousins on both sides of the family.
After their kids left home, Jean and Bill built their dream home in the woods outside Fredericksburg, Virginia and enjoyed visiting state and federal parks and attractions throughout the US in their motor coach. Later they would become snowbirds and winter in Florida – first in Melbourne where they watched NASA launches from their motor coach, and later in Davenport in a vacation home near their lifelong friends Dagni and Lou Gilroy.
Jean and Bill finally settled in Charlottesville in 2000 to be near their daughter Sandra, their grandchildren, and later great grandchildren. They were active in Aldersgate Methodist Church, attending both Sunday services as well as Bible Studies and social and fund-raising activities.
Jean lost Bill in 2013 after 62 years of marriage. She mourned him deeply, but was consoled by her beloved dog DJ, and bravely rebuilt her life, managing her home and financial affairs. She loved to host family get togethers at her home in Branchlands – especially at Christmas time when she filled the house with lights and decorations, including a Christmas tree adorned with ornaments created by her grandkids and great grandkids.
Jean’s health began failing after her 92nd birthday last year, and this year has been a difficult challenge dealing with health problems and hospitalizations. She passed away in her sleep November 11, 2024, released from physical pain and problems and reunited with the love of her life, Bill.
In lieu of flowers family and friends may send a donation to Hospice of the Piedmont or the Blue Ridge Area Foodbank.
For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.