Jean Franks Ward, 93, of Huntsville, passed away April 11, 2026.

Jean’s favorite way of emphasizing something was to repeat it three times. “We just need to pray, pray, pray.” Or “Typical, typical, typical.” Our hearts are now saying to her – well-done,well-done, well-done.

As one of four kids whose father was a railroader, Jean’s family moved around a lot, often piling their belongings in a box car and heading to the next town. She said that Southerners weren’t always welcome in some of their new towns and because of this, she didn’t love school. Still, she graduated from high school in Tuscaloosa, AL and started studying at the University of Alabama's  Physical Education major. Two years in, she met John Ward and they were married December 6, 1952. Thus began a life of a few more moves as they followed his career path to Panama City, FL and eventually Charlotte, NC. It was in Panama City that a neighbor invited the young couple to church and they made life-long friends. It was also a spiritual reset for the young couple as Jean felt she came to a full understanding of the Gospel and gave her life to Christ. She would tell you that nothing was ever the same after that. Her love for the Lord and for the Word of God marked her life journey from that point on. 

She would say she was a reluctant participant in the early days of John starting Ward Vessel & Exchanger, but since he agreed to let her take her sewing machine to the office, she was his first assistant. Every time a purchase order landed, she passed out Twinkies.

She had an enormous capacity to love people. Barry Shearer, a pastor at Northside Baptist Church in Charlotte would later say, “I knew if I had a woman in need, spiritual or physical – I could call Jean Ward.” She was known to venture into some of the roughest parts of town to seek out a hurting person, not always telling John until it was ‘in the rear view mirror.’ But John supported her and said that he never knew who would be sitting at the kitchen table when he came home. Because of her love for others (and John’s support) many people were sheltered in their home over the years. Hospitality had hands and feet and sometimes a strong shoulder to cry on.

In 2007 John and Jean relocated to Huntsville and to West Huntsville Baptist Church where Jean loved helping facilitate a community Christmas luncheon for the purpose of sharing the Gospel.She shared her faith boldly and often.

Some people have the ability to make everyone in their sphere feel seen and known. Jean was that person. Each child, grandchild, and great grand felt as if they were her favorite. Every friend was her best friend. She remembered what was going on in each life and asked pertinent follow-up questions. Though a person with a strong moral compass, she walked the line of being merciful and forgiving and not judgmental and harsh, freely extending grace and acceptance.People and their lives were always of interest to her and she kept a mental Rolodex of everyone. 

It wasn’t until her last couple of years that she started accepting physical limitations. But that didn’t keep her from traveling to the side of a hurting family member, or watching Alabama football, or cheering for her many great-grands’ athletic games, or making sure the beach trip happened for all 65+ (along with the epic scavenger hunt). When she could no longer read her Bible, she listened to Scripture on audio every day. On those long nights, when pain kept her awake, she spent the time praying for the specific needs of her family and friends. They knew they had a prayer warrior and an advocate before the Throne for the struggles that life brought.

She taught her family how to live and ultimately, how to die. Now, in the arms of Jesus, her faith has been made sight. Mama Ward – we will miss you, miss you, miss you – but we can’t wait to see you again in Glory, Glory, Glory!

Those who preceded her: Saralee Jean Franks Ward was preceded in death by her husband John; an infant son, Daniel; an infant great-grandson, Judah; her parents, George and Lula Franks; sister, Frances Pearson;brothers, George and Freddie Franks.

Those left to cherish her memory: She is survived by her four daughters: Susan Renstrom (Scott) of Lynchburg, VA; Sandra Gossett (Scott) of Huntsville, AL; Sharon DeArmon (Chip) of Lutz, FL; Pam Burn (Frank) of Concord, NC;also 11 grandchildren - Daniel Renstrom (Danielle), Adam Renstrom (Natalie), Leigh AnnaTucker (Drew), David Gossett (Emily), John Gossett (Melanie), Seth Gossett (Rachel), Kyle DeArmon (Emma), Katie Ford (Jake), Christy Holland (Blake), Alison Garrison (Nathan), Treacy McTier (Ty). Currently, she has thirty-five great-grandchildren with two on the way.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at West Huntsville Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL. The family will receive guests at 11 AM with the service at noon.Burial will be on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to DeArmon CAST, a creative arts school that ministers to children founded by John and Jean Ward's daughter Sharon DeArmon. DeArmon CAST, 15402 N. Nebraska Ave., Suite 200, Lutz, FL 33549 or online at www.dearmoncast.com/support#donate (donate to Ward memorial).