Nelda E. Ward

Nelda Ward

Nelda Ellen Ward, 75, of Chattanooga, TN passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends following an extended illness.

Nelda was born in Chattooga County, Ga on September 28, 1944, daughter of James C Lee and Myrtis Scoggin Lee. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Sue Lee and a brother, Kenneth James Lee.

Nelda is survived by her loving husband Richard (Dick) Ward whom she loved for more than 48 years; son James (Randy) Cordell and wife Kimberly, son Richard (Ricky) Ward and wife Shawnee, son Brian Cordell, and daughter Shirley DeMatteo and husband Damian; as well as 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Nelda loved and treasured her family very much. Her husband Dick was the love of her life and her rock during her illness. Together they were blessed to have 4 kids whom they raised and loved deeply. Nelda loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was their Nonna. Nelda was a generous, deeply loving, God-fearing Wife, Mom and Nonna. She will be greatly missed by her family.

Nelda was a faithful member of Bethel Temple Assembly of God (Grace Pointe Assembly of God) for more than 20 years. She loved Jesus, her family, her church and her church family. Throughout the years she devoted her time and energy in areas of ministry that she was passionate about specifically the ‘hospitality committee’, benevolence, and women’s ministry. The ‘hospitality committee’ was an area that she took delight in as they prepared meals for new members, fundraising events, and food for other social gatherings. She loved being able to minister alongside her husband and friends in this area, laughter abounding as they cooked and served. Nelda was quietly passionate in the area of benevolence. She had a special place in her heart for those in need, which she regularly expressed by her giving through the church benevolence ministry and also through her personal actions of quietly meeting individuals needs. Her heart was to help others in whatever manner she was able. Nelda had a deep desire to minister to women which led her to begin hostessing ladies events, specifically Christmas teas and ladies retreats which became annual events. In honor of her leadership creating the Christmas Tea and her love of Christmas in general, Grace Pointe Women’s Ministry

annually present ‘The Spirit of Christmas Tea Award Honoring Mrs. Nelda Ward’ to a fortunate lady who has exemplified the Spirit of Christmas that Nelda embraced. The legacy that Nelda has left is an example that can be summed up by one of her favorite scriptures, ‘And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ Matthew 25:40 KJV

Nelda was a successful business owner of Permit Fuel Tax Services (PFTS) for over 25 years, employing numerous people. She was a strong, determined, independent woman who was known for her integrity and generosity. She was a member of many different organizations but some of the key ones were the National Honor Society, National Association of Women’s Business Owners, and Scenic City Women’s Network. She also served on the board of Teen Challenge along with other committees through the years.

The family wishes to express their heart-felt gratitude to Memorial Hospital, the nurses and the staff for their professional, compassionate and kind care of Nelda during her 6 year battle with cancer. The family specifically wants to thank Dr. Hunter Jennings, Dr. Colin Cherry and Dr. Darrell Johnson for the exceptional care that they gave to Nelda during her illness. Special recognition and ‘thank you’ to her caregivers at her home Sheila Warren, Theresa Bowers, Becky Moore, Tiffany Taylor, Hearth Hospice (Olivia Wilson, Marie Williford, and liaison Lindsay Brooks) who treated her with love, respect and dignity throughout her entire illness. There are no words to express what your care for Nelda has meant to the family.

Family and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday June 30th from 4pm - 8pm at Grace Pointe Assembly of God, 6613 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN. The funeral service will be Wednesday July 1st at 10 AM at Grace Pointe Assembly of God with Pastor Terry W. Evans and Reverend Jeff Ogg officiating. Due to the risk of transmission of COVID-19, the funeral service will be broadcast live on facebook at ‘Grace Pointe Assembly of God’ for those who are unable to attend in person. Graveside service will follow at Ward - Smith Cemetery at 1718 Smith Cemetery Road, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379. Pallbearers are Brian Cordell, Randy Cordell, Damian DeMatteo, Devan DeMatteo, Richard Jack Ward, Jr, and Richard Jack Ward, III

The family wants to express that gifts of food are not necessary, but if you want to express your love for Nelda that it be through beautiful floral arrangements for the funeral as Nelda always loved flowers. Please contact Blossoms at (423) 475-5873 to order arrangements.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

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