Doris Wright Ward
Doris Wright Ward passed away peacefully at Bethany House on Tuesday, August 29, 2017.
Born in Columbus, GA, and raised in Montgomery, she called Opelika home for nearly 50 years. She was the devoted wife of Elmer “Popsy” Ward and enjoyed almost 47 years of marriage until his death in December 1996. They were well-known for their hospitality and offered a “home away from home” to many young couples who were away from their families.
Doris was a faithful servant of the Lord and served her church family at Tenth Street Church of Christ as a Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, and church secretary for many years. Her greatest love was teaching young children about the Lord.
She was devoted to her community and served at EAMC as a member of the Auxiliary, working with junior volunteers for 30 years. As a cancer survivor, she was a member of cancer support groups and participated annually in Relay for Life.
Doris was an avid fan of the Opelika Bulldogs and Auburn University football. She was known for her warm greetings to the visiting team’s fans and presided over many tailgating events on campus.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Ward; her sister, Betty Joyce Wright; and her brother, David Wright.
She is survived by her three children: Paul Ward (Lucy) of Lake City, FL, Joyce Dunn (George) of Opelika, and Janice Lofland (Frank) of Opelika; her sister, Marjorie Wright of Montgomery; grandchildren: Cicely King (Scott), Amanda Kriel (Brian), John Lofland (Lisa), Jeremy Ward, Suzanne Lofland (Leandra), Brian Henley, Jess Lofland (Kate), Hannah Self (Jordan), Michael Henley, Duncan Ward (Jackie), and Justin Ward; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and a large host of extended family members.
Visitation was Friday, September 1, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Tenth Street Church of Christ, with the funeral following in the sanctuary. A graveside service was held at Garden Hills immediately after the funeral. Mr. Claude Flynn officiated.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.
www.jeffcoattrant.com