Edith Smalley Ward

Edith S. Ward Lakeland - Edith S. Ward, affectionately known as “Miss Edie” rose to new heavenly life in the first hours of the New Year, January 1, 2018. Edie was loved by many, and her earthly presence is already greatly missed. A beloved child of God, she believed in the promises of her Savior Jesus Christ, of His unfailing love and gift of eternal life. Born in Grand Junction, Tennessee, on July 5, 1935, to the late Walter E. and Edith Mitchell Smalley, she was raised in Lenoir City, Tennessee. She graduated East Tennessee State University (formerly College) majoring in Language Arts. While there she met the love of her life Don J. Ward whom she married in 1955. She became a middle school teacher after moving to Florida in 1962. Years later she actively, lovingly, enthusiastically served her family, with tireless devotion to her grandchildren, even receiving Volunteer of the Year Award at Scott Lake Elementary. Miss Edie deeply loved her church family at First United Methodist Church, Lakeland, FL, where she left a legacy as generous servant using her gifts of hands, heart, time, talents & hospitality in numerous and varied ministries. Whether serving as Sunday School teacher, VBS volunteer, as a Steven Minister, in ladies’ circle ministries and PEO Sisterhood, in hospital floral delivery, or setting up chairs, she served with humility and passion. She was preceded by her husband Don Ward and by her parents and brothers: Mitchell Smalley, Rev. Walter Smalley & Willie Joe Smalley. She is survived by: her sister Helen Smith and her husband Charles of Johns Island, SC; sister-in-law Betty Smalley of Norcross, GA; nieces and nephews and their families: Patricia Reiter (Wellington) of Phoenix, AZ; Walter Smalley (Louise) of Nashville, TN; David Smalley (Bettina) of Norcross, GA; Derek Smith (Barbara) of Easton, PA; and Laura Smith of Johns Island, SC. Known as “Nonnie” to her surviving Florida family: children Valerie Moore of Palm Beach, and Steve Ward of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren and their families: Kyle Cobia (Liana) of Auburndale, FL; Clayton Ward (Cortney) of Tampa; and Holly Burns (Matt) of Lakeland, FL. She was revered by surviving great-grandchildren, Caleb, Cora, Luke & Landon. Family burial service will take place at Oak Hill Burial Park. A Memorial Service will be held 2:00PM on Friday, January 5, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, Lakeland, FL Reception with family will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to First United Methodist Church, or to the Children’s Clothes Closet there, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL, 33801.