Joan D. Ward, 58, of Elizabethton, went home to be with her Lord, on Sunday, November 29, 2015, at Johnson City Medical Center following an extended illness which she endured courageously. She was a daughter of the late Ralph and Venia Norris McCourry and was born in Carter County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph McCourry, and a sister, Elizabeth Padgett.
Mrs. Ward was a homemaker who loved to cook, work in her flower garden and care for her granddaughter. She was a member of Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 33 years, Tim Ward, of the home; a daughter, Miranda Lovelace, Elizabethton; a son, Matthew Lovelace, and his wife, Rebecca, Elizabethton; three grandchildren, Lydia Lovelace, whom she loved and cherished, also of the home, Ryan Peterson, Erwin, and London Lovelace, Elizabethton; a brother, Craig McCourry, and his wife, Brenda, Erwin; and a sister, Kathy Grindstaff, Erwin. Several nieces, nephews and a special friend, Scott Causby, also survive.
A Gathering of Remembrance Service for Mrs. Joan D. Ward will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, at the Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Johnson officiating. Music will be under the direction of Loren Harris, soloist. Friends may call on the family at the home at anytime. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff of Johnson City Medical Center for the love and care given to Mrs. Ward and the family during her illness. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church, 1503 Riverview Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Ward family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.