Nancy Ward

In Loving Memory of

Nancy Caroline Ward

"Hank"

Nancy N Tony Ward

January 16, 1945 – December 19, 2025

On December 19, 2025, at 1430, Heaven gained a priceless soul, when Nancy Caroline Ward-beloved Wife, adored Mother, devoted Granny, and irreplaceable Friend- was called home by her Savior. There will be no funeral due to her personal wishes. The family will Celebrate her Life and Love on Christmas Day.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Exie Caylor; her mother-in-law, Ortha Ward, her sister, Judy Marks; her sister and brother-in-law, May Jo and Lonnie Brown; her brother-in-law, Donald Purdy; and her brother-in-law, Stacy Colbert.

Nancy is survived by an army of love to include her husband, Tony Ward; daughters, LaceyBelle (Jason) Carlile and Sierra (Nick) Robinson; grandchildren, Jake and Sopia Walter (Will Shurett), Kaitlyn (Kyle) Aud, Jason, Jr., and Jozie Carlile; great grandson, Kole Aud; sister and best friend, Debbie Purdy; brother-in-law, Scott (Kim) Ward; sister-in-law, Paige Colbert; best friend, Sandy (Ed) Vaughn; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nancy was mote than just a woman; she was a sanctuary. She was more than just a presence; she was peace wrapped in wisdom and laughter. Sometimes she was hell fire, mostly she was holy water. The choice was usually yours.

Nancy lived her life anchored firmly in her faith. Jesus wasn't just part of her story- He was THE story. She loved HIM endlessly, boldly, and unapologetically. Her faith was alive and breathing- it was woven into every prayer she whispered, every hand she laid on a hurting heart, every tear she shed for someone else's pain. She trusted God fully, even when the road was steep and the night was so dark. She stood firm. She trusted. She believed, and through her belief, others did too. Make Heaven Crowded.

As a Wife, Nancy was adored and protected as the true love of Tony's life, and she loved him back with an unbreakable and unwavering loyalty. Together they stood steady through all the storms and through the abundant sunshine, offering each other grace, strength, and arms that never let each other go.

As a Mama, she was the rock that her LaeLae built her life on, and she welcomed Sierra with her whole heart and open arms as her bonus daughter, never step. She didn't believe in that. Her girls were simply her gifts from God. Nancy was never one to be very openly sentimental, but she felt things that didn't always show in the traditional ways. She loved sacrificially, protected instinctively, and prayed relentlessly. She was fierce and she was soft- all at once. Her voice could calm or correct you, call you higher or call you out- all in the same breath sometimes. To her LaeLae, Nancy was the Sun, the Moon, and all the Stars. She was her True North, and she would've fought the Devil for her Mama (and probably won.)

As a Granny, Nancy's heart was found there. It belonged truly and unmistakably to her grandkids. She was wrapped around their fingers and would openly and exuberantly admit that. They were her pride, her happiness, and her answered prayers. With a love that was joyful and playful, yet profoundly deep, she was always there for them. She spoke their names with light in her eyes and gratitude in her voice. Every hug, every text, every moment with them was sacred to her. She prayed over their lives without fail, asking God to guard their steps, light their paths, grow their faith, and wrap them in His favor. To them, Granny was comfort, laughter, safety, and unconditional love- the kind that leaves a lifelong imprint on the soul. She was everything. The special bond she shared with Jake cannot be put into mere words, and her love for all cannot be measured on this Earth. They were the song her heart sang over and over.

As Friend, she was loyal and faithful to the core – the one who showed up, stayed late, prayed hard, and loved without conditions. If you were hers, you were hers forever. Time and distance could never touch the soul's deep bond she shared with Sandy, spanning at least 35 years and continuing from this life to the next. Nan and San, always and forever.

Nancy was nothing short of a legend. She was a firecracker and a blessing to all she knew. The legacy of faith and love that she left behind will echo through eternity. The loss and the hole she left in our lives is indescribable. Though our hearts are shattered, all hope is not gone. We rejoice in the promise that she now stands whole and healed, wrapped in glory, and hearing the words she lived for and certainly earned:

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

She is not gone – she is home. And until we meet again, we will carry her love, laughter, and her faith with us as a shield. The night is dark, but the Son is coming.

May she rest now in perfect peace and paradise and in the presence of The King of Kings.

Of this I am certain: Heaven is brighter because she is there.