William Henry Ward

William Henry Ward was born in Laurel, Mississippi on November 19, 1946 to Elizabeth Smith and Henry Ward.  He was the oldest of five children and the oldest grandchild of his maternal grandparents.

William, better known as “Ted” started his education at Nora Davis Elementary in Laurel and continued his education in Illinois when his family moved to Joliet.  He graduated from Fairmount Jr. High and Lockport Central High School.

William enlisted in the U.S. Army from August 16, 1967 to March 7, 1969 at which time he was honorably discharged.

Ted was a boy scout leader of Trop 70.  He worked several jobs throughout his life; Correctional Officer (Stateville), School Bus Driver at Crawford but his love was a D.J. which he would D.J. at several different clubs in Joliet and Aurora.

Ted received Christ at an early age.  He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church until he united with Holy Cross M.B. Church in 1978 under the leadership of the late, Rev. Samuel Thigpen.  He was one of the first founding members.  He was later ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Pastor Victor L. Flowers; where he served as a faithful member until his passing.

Ted was united in holy matrimony to Sandra Poston.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Poston-Ward; his mother, Elizabeth White; father, Henry Ward and his sister, Wanda V. White.

Ted departed this life on Sunday, July 4, 2020.

He leaves to cherish his memories; one son, Devaris Ward of Aurora, IL; three daughters, LaSoji Ward of Bolingbrook, IL and Leanna Jacob-Scott of Joliet, IL; and Ananias Jacob (Justin) Estep of Joliet, IL.; three brothers, Walter J. Pierce, and David White of Joliet, IL and James (Kim) of Houston, TX; grandfather of ten, Ka-Liyah Scott, Ivory Scott, Jada Scott and Cassius Scott, Jr., all of Joliet, IL, JayLynn Blackmon, Jordan Blackmon, Justice Blackmon and Natalie Blackmon, all of Bolingbrook, IL, Amelia Ward of Aurora, IL; a special friend/cousin, Clarence Dace; special niece, Lakishia (Timmie) Smith of Joliet, IL and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ted will be missed by, the big kid at heart to all family and friends.

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