Elizabeth Jean Ward passed away at the Elizabeth House peacefully with her daughters in her room in the early morning hours March 10, 2026, after a long-fought battle with dementia. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, Nannie, sister, aunt, and friend throughout her 80 years of life. She was born and raised in Dana, NC.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Richard Ward Sr.; her mother, Inez Roberts; her sister, Emma Faye Johnson; and her maternal grandparents Wesley and Effie Lamb.
Anyone who knew Jean knew that if Elvis was playing, she was dancing. So it was only fitting that she danced into the arms of her Lord and Savior, shedding her earthly troubles to the sounds of Elvis singing “How Great Thou Art,” and “Amazing Grace.”
Jean was a caretaker of those she loved most. She is survived by her three children, who were the joys of her life: Julie Ward Quinn and her husband, Jackie; Tammie Ward Cox and her husband,Tommy and Thomas Richard Ward Jr. and his wife, Debbie.
She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Jared Quinn and his wife, Krystalyn; Hope Quinn and her husband, Matthew Bodenhamer; Samantha Bolton and her husband, Stephen; and Thomas Ward; her with two great-grandchildren, Anastasia Quinn and Laurel Bodenhamer, who were all blessed to call her “Nannie.” Her sisters Shirley Mays, Cherry Matthews and brother Mike Roberts and her loving nieces and nephews whom she thought of as her grandchildren too. Her in-laws were special to her and a big part of her family.
Being at Nannie’s house meant coming home. If you were hungry, she fed you. If you needed holding, she held you. There was never a shortage of love, conversation or laughter.
She loved to travel, treating her grandchildren to DollyWood adventures and summers at the lake. Whether it was braving a water slide or riding a tube —even though she couldn’t swim—if it brought her closer to her family, Nannie was there.
She was a life long member of Refuge Baptist Church. She loved her pastor and church family and all the outings they had together through the years.
Her favorite color was yellow, and she will be remembered each day the sun shines on those she loved. She will be remembered in our laughter, in our tears, and in our hearts.
Though she is no longer with us, we find comfort in knowing she is whole again, dancing in the presence of her Lord and Savior.
The family will have a Celebration of her Life on April 19, 2026 at Refuge Baptist Church at 1pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Elizabeth House 581 S Allen Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Jackson Funeral Service is honored to serve the Ward family.