Betty Jean Ward

Surrounded by the love of her family, peacefully passed away at home on Aug. 22, 2013. Daughter of the late Elizabeth Barrett Brown Ousley of Gulfport, MS and the late Dr. John W. Mayher of Columbus, GA. Beloved wife of 64 years to Col. Robert M. Ward of Alexandria, VA and Melbourne, FL. Mother of Maura W. Spencer (husband Joel) of Richmond, VA, Robert C. Ward (wife Christine) of Williamsburg, VA, Melanie Sears of Seattle, WA, Frank R. Ward (wife Cheryl) of Moneta, VA, James F. Ward (wife Beth) of Alexandria, VA. Grandmother of Brian Spencer of Richmond, VA, Jeffrey Spencer of Salt Lake City, UT, C. Michael Ward of Arlington, VA, Zachary Ward of Fredericksburg, VA, Amy Ward of Manassas, VA, Nicola Ward of Tarboro, NC and Joseph Argese of Morrisville, NC, Lena Eivy of Seattle, WA & Wayne Sears of Albuquerque, NM. Great Grandmother of Ilya Eivy, Gavin & Levi Ward. Sisters Beth Ousley and Barbara Lehnen of Gulfport, MS, Linda Johnson of Ocean Springs, MS, Dorothy Tolman of Princeton, NJ, the late Margaret Babcock and brother John W. Mayher both of Columbus, GA.

She attended Wesleyan College in Macon, GA and was active in many alumni programs. In the 64 years as a US Army wife, she traveled extensively, moving 18 times to 16 duty stations in many states and countries. After devoting all her time to loving and raising her five children, the past 45 years, she has been active in the choir and annual church bazaar as well as other aspects of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA. She also was an active dancer in the Golden Ray Tap Dance Company and participated in numerous charitable activities including the Calico Castle and sewing pillows for the Mended Hearts organization that helps in the recovery of heart patients. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 3 p.m. at Aldersgate UMC, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria, VA 22308. A reception will immediately follow in the Founders Hall at the church. A burial at Arlington National Cemetery has yet to be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Gentiva Hospice Foundation, 8229 Boone Blvd. Suite 510 Vienna, VA 22182.