Joan M. Ward

Joan was born on April 30, 1929, to Josiah L. Self and Mabel D. (Lucas) Self in East Ham, London, England. She was a bright child, the oldest of four children. She was a quick study, skipping a grade in primary school. Upon completion of her schooling, she worked in a London brokerage firm.

She met and fell in love with James (Jim) Ward of Corsicana, Texas, who was stationed in London with the Air Force. She crossed the Atlantic a few weeks later and landed in New York City.

From there, she made her way alone to Biloxi, Mississippi, where she and Jim were married right away on November 29, 1952.

Together, they raised two children and lived in Arlington for many years. Joan was a Past Matron of Arlington Chapter No. 249, Order of the Eastern Star, and held various Grand Offices. She was also Past Matron of the Past Matrons & Past Patrons Association of Fort Worth. Joan served as Queen of Rithmah Temple, No. 93, Daughters of the Nile in Fort Worth, and Past President of the Fort Worth Scottish Rite Ladies Auxiliary. She and Jim were also active members of Aldersgate Methodist Church and, later, Trinity Methodist Church.

After her husband's retirement, they moved to Waco where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a member of the Odell Dudley Sunday School Class. She returned to Arlington after the death of her husband.

She enjoyed crossword puzzles, was an avid reader, and loved Masterpiece Mysteries.

She is survived by her son, James L Ward of Flower Mound; Daughter Beverly Erickson of Arlington; three Grandchildren, Michael Erickson, John Erickson and Stephanie Wiesendanger and her husband Carl; and two Great Grandchildren, Ashlynn and Ricky Wiesendanger. She is also survived by two brothers, Colin Self and his wife Lennie, and Paul Self and his wife Val, of London, England.

Joan will always be remembered as a wonderful mother, relative, friend and colleague to all that knew and cared for her. Joan will be truly missed by many relatives and friends, cherishing all the good memories shared with her.

There will be a Visitation on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at the Masonic Retirement Home Chapel with religious services following at 10:00 AM.

Funeral Services for Ms. Joan M. Ward will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at The Texas Masonic Retirement Community, 1501 West Division Street, Arlington, Texas 76012.

Burial will be at 12:00 PM Noon on October 15, 2024 at Moore Memorial Gardens 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas 76012

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Joan M. Ward by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.

In addition, If you or someone you know wish to send a floral condolence to the Ward family in honor of the late Joan M. Ward, you may choose to do so by calling In Bloom Flowers and Gifts at (972)-256-6637