Mary E. (Elly) Ward, age 80, was called home to our Lord on Sunday, September 3, 2023. She lived in Bascome, Florida and passed at Eden of Crestview surrounded by her family. She was born on October 30, 1942, to the late Charles Fredrick Lynn and Evelyn Casey (Lynn) Dean in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Mary was known to all who knew and loved her as Elly. She grew up and graduated in Freeport, Florida with her mother, two brothers, and one sister. She married on October 4, 1962 to William Dexter Ward, Sr. She was a homemaker and stayed with her young children until they were all school age before venturing out in the work force. She worked at Vanity Fair sewing clothing. Later, she worked at Okaloosa County School District as a Bus Driver and School Custodian for over 18 years before retiring. Elly was born with a fighting spirit, a sarcastic wit, and loved her family with all her heart. She was an amazing mom and wife, who loved to fish, cook, eat, sew and listen to music. But if you asked her what she really wanted to do, she would say go fishing, all day, every day.

She is preceded in death by her husband William Dexter Ward, Sr. and her father and mother.

She is survived by her three children: Janet L. Ward, Tammy L. Pilgrim and husband Jay Pilgrim, William Dexter Ward, Jr. and wife Sharon Ward; granddaughter Shilee N. Wells and husband Casey Wells; and two great-grandchildren, Scarlette Wells and Brody Wells; as well her two brothers Tommy Lynn and Ronnie Lynn; and one sister Martha Davis.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

I have fought the good fight, finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7