Barbara Ann Ward

Barbara Ann Traylor Ward passed away on October 8, 2023 after a long and happy life. She was 90 years old. Born January 4, 1933 to Clifford Ralph Traylor and Lucretia Parker Traylor of Lineville, Alabama, she began school in Alabama, but later moved to Manchester, Georgia. She was graduated valedictorian from middle school and then from high school, with honors, where she along with three of her childhood friends were selected as commencement graduate speakers.

School was fun. Senior Superlatives cast her as Miss Manchester High. In 1950, she was crowned as Pimento Queen, a nickname her children fondly used for her later in life. Ann had an active and enjoyable early life. She played basketball for her four high school years and served as captain for two years. She was also a football cheerleader. Ann was a tennis buff from early childhood and won, along with her partner, the state doubles tennis tournament at Macon, Georgia. In addition to her love of sports was a love of books and reading that lasted throughout her lifetime.

Ann grew up in the First Baptist Church of Manchester. She attended this church all throughout her lifetime and visited there through the years even after her parents were deceased. She always felt deeply appreciative of having grown up in a Christian home and in a Christian community.

The First Baptist Church in Lineville, Alabama was also visited by Ann periodically. The two large stained glass windows are in memory of her great grandmother, Lucretia Pace Haynes, and her great aunt, Ella Haynes Ingram. More importantly, it was the church home of Ann’s great great grandmother, her grandmother, her mother, and then Ann herself.

Ann began her dental hygiene education in 1951 at the University of Tennessee at Memphis where she met her husband-to-be, Burr Ward. They married December 26, 1954 in Manchester. Burr was obligated for a two year tour of duty in the Navy. However, the Marine Corp borrowed him and sent him to Korea just eight months after their marriage. In all situations there is a soft landing somewhere. Burr’s brother was in the Army serving in Japan as a general’s aide, and Ann’s uncle Earl and wife, Sarah, were serving as missionaries in Korea. Visits were frequently arranged, so Burr was not alone even though he was very far from home. Ann worked in Atlanta as a dental hygienist for Dr. C. L. “Buck” Chandler and Dr. Marion Sprinkle during the time Burr was overseas. In October 1957, Burr and Ann came to Rome to live and began his dental practice. Ann helped establish his practice, working alongside him until they welcomed their first child. After many years homemaking and civic contributions, Ann returned to dentistry to help Burr before he sold his practice to Dr. Jeff Heath.

First Methodist Church in Rome became Ann and Burr’s church home and remained so for the rest of their lives. Ann served as treasurer of the First United Methodist Women and also as circle treasurer. In addition, she worked on the flower committee, and served in the church nursery for about twelve years. Ann studied to train and serve as a Stephen Minister for two years. She was an active volunteer for many charitable causes throughout her life. Ann worked in the Soup Kitchen with flowers and food preparation. She was a sustaining member of the Junior Service League and former treasurer, a past treasurer of Chieftains Museum, and former member and past treasurer of the Green Thumb Garden Club. Additionally, she was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ann, like her own mother, loved flowers and gardening. She also became a “good cooker” like her mother and was fondly labeled that by her children. Ann shared her life lovingly and unselfishly with her family and friends and felt especially blessed by both.

Mrs. Ward is survived by her son, James F. Ward, Jr., of Rome, Georgia; daughter, Cynthia (and former husband), David Piper, grandsons Austin and Harrison of Allen, Texas; daughter, Julia (and former husband), Taylor Hamilton, grandsons Parker and Jack of Knoxville, Tennessee; sister, Anita Christian, of McDonough, Georgia, in addition to several nieces and nephews. She is survived also by her dearest friend and cousin, Jane Tucker.

Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James F. Ward; parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Traylor; and brother, Charles Traylor.

The family of Mrs. Ward will receive friends and family on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 4 o'clock in the afternoon until 6 o'clock in the evening at Daniels Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at Rome First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be welcome to Rome First United Methodist Church, 202 E. 3rd Avenue, Rome, Georgia, 30161, or to a favorite charity in her memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Daniels-FuneralHome.com for the Ward family.

Daniels Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Barbara Ann Traylor Ward.