Mary Elizabeth Ashlock-Ward, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully departed this life on the evening of December 15, 2024. She was born on January 3, 1945 in Williamsburg, Virginia, to the late James Franklin Ashlock Sr. and Alease Virginia O’Neal-Ashlock.

From an early age, she embraced her faith, accepted Christ as her personal Savior, and became a devoted member of St. John Baptist Church.

Mary was educated in the York County school system and graduated from James Weldon Johnson High School in York-town, Virginia. She was a proud native of Williamsburg, and spent the past four decades residing in Mathews, Virginia.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Mary leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her devoted husband, Morris L. Ward; children, Tanya Ward and Terry Ward (Carletha); stepson, Byron Ward (Jess); beloved granddaughters, Ayrielle, Alexis, and Tiera; precious great-grandson, Ian; sisters, Glendora Warren, Doretha Holland, and Cordova Judge, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who were blessed to know her.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at noon on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at St. John Baptist Church, 1397 Penniman Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23185. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Ward may be viewed in the church on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Va. 23185, 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com.