Lois Jewell Pierce Greeson Ward, 95, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, passed peacefully the morning of Saturday, March 4, 2017 in her home.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph Greeson and Bertrand Ward;her son-in- law, William Lake; and her brothers and sisters, Willis, Alvin, Arvil, John and Clarence Pierce, Leola Beasley and Sybil Davis.
Mrs. Ward was born on June 27, 1921 in Tunnel Hill, and was a lifelong resident. She was the longest living member of New Hope Baptist Church, having worshiped and served 78 years there. For 45 years, she worked along-side her husband, Ralph Greeson, farming vegetables, cattle, and chickens. Following his death, she and her second husband, Bert Ward, enjoyed years of traveling, residing winters together in Florida and summers in Tunnel Hill, where they also enjoyed cattle farming. She is remembered for her sweet spirit and gentle voice, her tireless work-ethic, her sense of humility and the modesty of a southern lady, and her devotion to and love for her family. As the matriarch of her family, she leaves a living heritage in each her children and grandchildren. She provided an example of a loving daughter who cared for her mother until her death. She was the epitome of a devoted, faithful wife who honored her husbands in word and deed. She was a supportive, God-fearing mother who raised two beautiful, successful daughters and loved her sons-in-law as her own. As a grandmother, she always had open arms to offer comfort, a lap for holding and rocking away tears, a sweet smile to warm the heart, a kind word to encourage and uplift, and an understanding heart to accept and love unconditionally.
Mrs. Ward is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Mary F. Lake Hooper (Vernon) and Linda Pierce (Dennis); numerous grandchildren, Deborah Lake Dawson (Jim), Darrell Lake (Lynn), Deanette Lake Bryant (Greg), Sheryl Pierce, Deanna Pierce Baker (David), Corey Pierce (Kim), Alanna Pierce Hunt (Matt); 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service to honor the life of Mrs. Ward will take place at New Hope Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 8, at 12 p.m. with Rev. Mark Atkins and Rev. Keely Hasty officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Rocky Face Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 7 from 5-8 p.m.
Arrangements are by the Rocky Face Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Rocky Face.