Rose Sharon Ward

Rose Sharon Corbitt Ward was born on January 7, 1935, and passed away August 21, 2022. She completed her education at Hillsborough High School. She also attended Central Florida Community College and received her Associates Degree.

Rose served 30 years in the school system starting in the lunchroom at Floral City Elementary and ending her career at Central Florida Community College, Ocala Florida. As the executive staff assistant of one of the colleges vice presidents.

After marriage in 1956, Rose served with Samuel T. Ward for 47 years in the ministry. Her many positions allowed her to use her gifts and talents. She was a pastor’s wife, teacher, secretary, treasurer, pianist, organist and singer. As a pastor’s wife, she was honored to serve in the following churches starting in Alabama to First Baptist Church of Floral City, Florida, then River Gardens Baptist in Dunnellon, Florida, Indian Hill Baptist Church in Bushnell, Florida, and relocated to Spring Hope, North Carolina in 2000

joining Holly Grove Baptist Church as a member.

She is predeceased by her husband, Samuel Theodore Ward and by her two children Charles Daniel and Robert Michael Ward. She is survived by her son, David Theodore and wife Ana Ward, daughter Latricia Ann Messer and Daughter-in-law, Lenie Krick. She also leaves behind grandchildren, David T. Ward Jr., Jared Ward, Mary Keezel-Mancia, Benjamin and Nikita Ward, Nicole and Seth VanOrder, Nathan and Jessica Messer, Josh and Jennifer Messer as well as Justin and Amanda Messer. In addition, she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Finnley Ward, Gabriel VanOrder, Julian VanOrder, Justin Messer Jr., Hannah Messer, Lane Messer, Annabella Messer, Haylee Messer, and Annette “Nettie” Messer.

Donations in memory of Rose may be made to Hospice And Palliative Care, 1-800-317-5661.