Presented by William D. & Mary W. Ward
2 Kings 2:11 tells us that the prophet Elijah did not die, but was taken to heaven directly. He was walking with his disciple, Elisha, when "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind."
Mary Wood Ward was born on May 25, 1916 near Selma, Alabama to a farming family of seven children. She was graduated from Livingston University in the late 1940’s and was an elementary school teacher in Atmore and Davisville, Florida for 30 years.
William D. (Bill) Ward, was born in February of 1916 near Bagdad in North Florida to a lumbering and turpentine product family of four children. After leaving the Merchant Marine in 1945, he joined the Alabama Beverage Commission and worked under the Patterson and Wallace administration for 25 years in the licensing division. The Wards were devoted members of the First Presbyterian Church for over 25 years. He was ordained as a deacon in January 1963 and later served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons for the class of 1970. He was elected to serve as a trustee on November 5, 1978 and served from January 1979 until his death in October of 1993. Mrs. Ward was active in her circle and in the Women of the Church, holding several offices. She also participated in Vacation Bible School.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward had two sons – William D. (Bo) Ward, Jr. and John Thomas Ward – and one grandson – Bill Cody Ward. One of their hobbies was growing blueberries, which they shared with their neighbors and fellow church members. Several years after Mr. Ward’s death, Mrs. Ward moved to Gulf Shores, Alabama to live near her son, Tom. She remained there until her death on August 15, 2000. A memorial serv- ice was held for her at this church.