Josephine Alvira Ward

Josephine "Jo" Bennett Ward-a woman defined by resilience, grace, and unwavering

love-passed peacefully from this life on November 30, 2025. Her legacy is one of generosity

and devotion: to her faith, to her community, and to the family and friends she cherished

deeply.

Throughout her long life and in her final days, Jo remained a steady source of kindness, humor,

and compassion. She expressed profound gratitude for the fullness of her years-years marked

by rich experiences, meaningful relationships, and a heart that never stopped giving.

Born on November 10, 1936-sharing a birthday with her mother-Jo spent all of her life in

Rutherford County before moving to the Tryon Estates retirement community in Polk County at

age 79. She was the daughter of the late Beatrice Cash Bennett and George Newton Bennett.

She lived with a quiet determination that guided her through every season of life. Everything

she undertook, she approached with intention and care.

Jo was a constant and devoted presence in her children's lives. She drove thousands of miles to

ballet lessons, football practices, band rehearsals, Boy Scout events, and countless school

activities. Always eager to help, she volunteered for field trips, classroom needs, and anything

her children's schools required. Her energy was boundless, and her commitment to her family

never wavered.

Her home on Lake Lure became a beloved gathering place for decades-where Jo warmly

welcomed family, friends, and neighbors. She delighted in hosting holidays, weekend visits, and

impromptu get-togethers, creating a haven of comfort, laughter, and shared memories. Those

gatherings remain some of her family's most treasured moments.

Jo faced life's hardship with extraordinary resolve. She endured profound loss-her parents,

her sister, her brother, her nephew, her niece, and her beloved husband, Donald Ward. She

carried each sorrow with a steadfast faith.

After many fulfilling years as a mother and homemaker, Jo continued her life of service through

volunteer work. She dedicated herself to the McNair Education Foundation, enriching the lives

of countless students through her commitment to learning. She also served as Vice-President of

the Laurel Lake Music Society and as Chairperson of the Life Engagement Committee at Tryon

Estates, offering leadership marked by warmth, enthusiasm, and purpose.

A passionate gardener, Jo lovingly tended her raised garden, filling it with vibrant annuals and

perennials that became a summer highlight for all who passed by. A devoted walker, she could

be seen daily circling the roads of Tryon Estates and participating eagerly in group exercise

classes. She proudly took part in inter-facility Olympics and Walk with the Doc events,

embracing both wellness and community with her signature spirit.

Jo was a faithful member of Spencer Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Rutherford

County, and she found fellowship and comfort attending Vespers at Tryon Estates.

Left to honor her memory are her daughter, Karen Ward-Linker (Paul); her stepson, Keith Ward

(Susan); and her stepdaughter, June Ward Love. She is also survived by her

grandchildren-Melanie Love, Maranda Maxey, Sanders Linker, and Coen Linker-and by her

great-grandchildren: Edison and Mabel Wunsch, and Crockett and Djipy Maxey as well as her

longtime loving companion, Peter Cooke. Each carries their own cherished memories of her

enduring love.

May she rest in peace, reunited with those who awaited her with open arms.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 5, at Crowe's Funeral Chapel,

with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Sunset

Memorial / Eternal Hills.

Memorial donations in Jo's honor may be made to:

Tryon Estates Samaritan Fund

(Please select "Tryon Estates Samaritan Fund" in the drop-down menu.)

https://www.actsretirement.org/acts-benevolence/acts-legacy-foundation-ways-to-