Obituary of Cora M Ward

Cora M. (nee Pierce- Wallace) Ward departed from her earthly journey on her way home to Glory, February 10, 2018 at home surrounded by her family.  The Lord chose to Bless her with two earthly families.  She was born October 5, 1921 to Eugene Orestis Pierce and Gene Bertha (nee Cooper) Pierce and at about the age of 2 was adopted and raised by William Webster Wallace and Cora (nee Leonard) Wallace.

She was a Bridgeton resident her entire childhood and as an adult.  She graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1938 at the age of 16. She then went on to receive her beauticians license in Philadelphia Pa after which she became an operator at her mothers beauty salon which was known as "Cora's Beauty Shoppe" for many years.

Cora was  Blessed with the gift of music and starting at the age of 7 she began piano lessons from her aunt, Jennie (nee Wallace) Branch and later was taught to play the pipe organ by Mr. Roy Doran of Salem, NJ.  She was an avid pianist throughout her life, playing for local churches, funeral homes and schools.  She accompanied many soloists and provided services for numerous social functions and events.

Cora married Ferdinand Havis Ward Sr at the age of 25 in 1947 at Mt. Zion A.M.E Church of which she was a lifelong member, by Reverand J.H. Wilson.  God Blessed this union with three children; Barbara, Antoinette (Toni) and Ferdinand Jr.(chip).  The couple resided in Flushing, NY in the early years of their marriage before returning to the Bridgeton area to raise their family.  Cora and Ferd enjoyed 30 years of marriage before his passing in February 1977.

Widowed at a young age Cora remained active in her community working for the Bridgeton Board of Education as an instructional assistant.  She attended Glassboro State College and earned approximately 60 semester hours in her career field of Elementary Education.  Her musical talent continued to be a Blessing as a pianist for John Wesley United Methodist Church for 30 years and at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Cora had the ability to play, read and write music and play by ear.

Having served for 12 years as an instructional assistant she retired in 1998 at the age of 77.  Her retirement years were spent enjoying family and friends.  She continued to use her musical gifts to bring joy to loved ones and friends. She loved to read and enjoyed solving cross word puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Gene Pierce, William and Cora Wallace, her husband Ferdinand Havis Ward Sr., brothers, Horace, Jim, Carl (Corky) Tony and John Coursey  (Johnny)  with whom she was raised;  sisters, Lillian, Ida, Sarah, Ella, her son in- law James A. Smith Sr.(Jimmy) and one grandson Robert (Peanut) Banks and life long friend Lillian Ruth Tudos (Jane).

She leaves to cherish precious memories; her children; Barbara (nee Ward) Smith, Antoinette (Toni) (Nee Ward) Street (Albert Albie) and Ferdinand (Chip) Havis Ward Jr. (Barbara) one brother, Dave Pierce (Nancy), one sister Bertha Pierce, Lifelong friend and cousin Cecelia Willis, sister-friend Jean Goldsboro. Cora fondly referred to as GRANNYMOM, Granny mommy and Gmom leaves seven grandchildren:

Deanna L (nee Smith) Harris (Chris), James A. Smith Jr., Albert (sport) N. Street 3rd (Sylena) Antoinette R.(nee Ward) Muschette (Claude- Jr.) Jade E. (nee Street) Gattis (Kenneth Sr.)  Thomas Banks ( Twana) and Darrell (man) Banks.  Seven Great grand children; Morgan Harris, Christopher (CJ) Harris, Jamere Muschette, Kenneth (Kenny) Gattis Jr., Jayla Gattis, Malia Gattis and Amaya Gattis.  A host of cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.  As the last Matriarch of the Wards we acknowledge the grief of her Texas family;

nephews Port (connie), Nolan (sonya) and niece Gayle and families.

Funeral services will be held at Mount Zion AME, 207 Vine Street, Bridgeton on Saturday, February 17th at 12 Noon. Interment will take place at Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Hopewell Twp. Friends will be received at the church from 10 AM to 12 Noon prior to the services. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Padgett Funeral Home, Upper Deerfield Twp. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralholmes.com.