Shirley Ward

Shirley was born in Manhattan, N.Y., on March 15, 1931, to the late Alena Sarah Ward and William Ward, and entered eternal rest on Oct. 14, 2010. She was the middle child of nine children, Margaret Watson, Jurah Ward, Virginia Wright, Waheedah Mustafa, Mildred Ward, William Ward, and Florence Maynard. Her gentle heart was known by all who knew her, she loved her family.

She was educated in New York City Public Schools, and attended Brooklyn College. Shirley worked as an administrative assistant most of her life. She also worked as a mentor and counselor for the Urban League.

While residing in New York, she attended the Riverside Church where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour. She served on the Executive Board of the Riverside Church Tower League.

During the latter part of her life she decided to join her daughters and grandchildren in Virginia, where she became a member of St. Pails Baptist Church. Shirley enjoyed working as a foster grandparent in the Richmond City Public Schools, and was also an active member of The Senior Connection.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Donella Marie Smith and Rhonda Joyce Ward; as well as her son-in-law, whom she treated like a son, Leon Alphonson Smith Sr.; her grandchildren, Leon Alphonson Smith II, Lamont Alen Smith, and Donel Alexander Smith; three siblings, Margaret Watson, Jurah Ward, and Bessie Walwyn; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, at St. Paul's Baptist Church, Richmond.