With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Avis Jean Ward, 72, of Ocala, Florida who transitioned peacefully on June 24, 2026. Born on May 23, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, she was the daughter of Isaac and Ruth Jean (White) Marshall, and sister to Isaac, Janice, Ursula, and Paulette. Avis lived a life defined by boundless devotion to her family and a generous spirit. A woman of effortless beauty, she possessed an unwavering capacity to love.
Avis Jean attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL. She completed her education with the cherished Class of 1972. Avis met her husband, Orson Ward Sr, and they shared a union from 1977 to 2005. God blessed them with three children: Syreeta Annette, Orson Anthony II, and Isaac Jamal. Avis invested time and patience to create a home filled with unconditional love, warmth, laughter and wisdom. Avis trained her children to be amazing contributors to society, and beamed with pride as all three children achieved success in their respective professional disciplines. She was an excellent cook who seasoned her food with love, yet she enjoyed her occasional Italian beef sandwich or Coleman’s chicken meal with mild sauce. Possessing impeccable taste in fashion and an eye for detail, Avis’ beauty appeared effortless, and her style was unique. Her life echoed what her mother used to say, “To thine own self be true.” Known and cherished by many, Avis was sweetly nicknamed “Mama Ward” as she exhibited a beautiful mothering demeanor that encouraged children and adults of all ages.
A true “Chi-town” girl, Avis’ friends might find her enjoying the social scene of a local block party, a Stepper’s set, or a wedding line dance. Avis Jean loved people, enjoyed games, and was truly the life of the party. She was skilled at Bid Whist and an absolute queen of karaoke. Avis engaged in exciting travel inside and outside of the US but always enjoyed hanging out with her close community of best friends. In addition to her devotion to family and social prowess, Avis went on to build a fulfilling career in graphic design and facilities maintenance at Triton College. Through industrious work and natural tenacity, she became the head custodian. When she retired from Triton in 2011, she had amassed 20 years of committed service. Yet more than any professional achievement, Avis was most proud of being a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and dear friend.
After frequent visits to Ocala during retirement, Avis made the pivotal decision to relocate there in 2017. This decision transformed her retirement into a dynamic and enriching experience, igniting a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment defined by meaningful connections and a deep sense of belonging. Avis’ boundless enthusiasm for acting, singing, and volunteering landed her instrumental roles in the Performing Arts Company of Oak Run. Her love for volunteering opened doors for her at the Fierce and Friendly Women’s Group along with leadership opportunities on the Board of Royal Queens Women Empowerment. She enjoyed attending and donating to the gala events sponsored by the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research. While serving with Women of Wisdom (WOW), Avis discovered spiritual kinship and camaraderie with like-minded individuals, amplifying her sense of purpose. Avis’ enduring legacy will be celebrated for her capacity to uplift and support those around her, making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.
Her unwavering Christian faith served as a bedrock of strength, guiding Avis throughout her life from a young child to a spiritually mature adult. While fighting health challenges, she stood with unwavering courage and grace. An enduring soldier for Christ, Avis boldly announced her decision to trust the Lord with all of her heart. Her decision to place her life in God’s hands even encouraged medical professionals. As illness progressed, her faith remained constant. She continued to worship the Lord with blessed assurance that Jesus had prepared a place for her in heaven. Trusting in God’s plan, she found enduring solace in the promise of eternal life.
We honor and celebrate Avis’ beautiful life as she was welcomed in glory and into the loving arms of Jesus. We will always remember her bright spirit, radiant smile, listening ear, and comforting way she made everyone feel like family.
Avis is predeceased by her parents Isaac and Ruth Jean Marshall, brother Isaac Marshall, and leaves behind a legacy of love and light. She is survived by her loving children, Syreeta (Edward), Orson II (Lakenda), and Isaac (Tanya); her seven cherished grandchildren, Kayla, Iyonna, Imani, Isyss, Orson III, Isaac II, and Edward Jr; sisters Janice, Ursula, Paulette and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to the Avis J Ward Memorial Fund to manage her estate.
With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Avis Jean Ward, 72, of Ocala, Florida who transitioned peacefully on June 24, 2026. Born on May 23, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, she was the daughter of Isaac and Ruth Jean (White) Marshall, and sister to Isaac, Janice, Ursula, and Paulette. Avis lived a life defined by boundless devotion to her family and a generous spirit. A woman of effortless beauty, she possessed an unwavering capacity to love.
Avis Jean attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL. She completed her education with the cherished Class of 1972. Avis met her husband, Orson Ward Sr, and they shared a union from 1977 to 2005. God blessed them with three children: Syreeta Annette, Orson Anthony II, and Isaac Jamal. Avis invested time and patience to create a home filled with unconditional love, warmth, laughter and wisdom. Avis trained her children to be amazing contributors to society, and beamed with pride as all three children achieved success in their respective professional disciplines. She was an excellent cook who seasoned her food with love, yet she enjoyed her occasional Italian beef sandwich or Coleman’s chicken meal with mild sauce. Possessing impeccable taste in fashion and an eye for detail, Avis’ beauty appeared effortless, and her style was unique. Her life echoed what her mother used to say, “To thine own self be true.” Known and cherished by many, Avis was sweetly nicknamed “Mama Ward” as she exhibited a beautiful mothering demeanor that encouraged children and adults of all ages.
A true “Chi-town” girl, Avis’ friends might find her enjoying the social scene of a local block party, a Stepper’s set, or a wedding line dance. Avis Jean loved people, enjoyed games, and was truly the life of the party. She was skilled at Bid Whist and an absolute queen of karaoke. Avis engaged in exciting travel inside and outside of the US but always enjoyed hanging out with her close community of best friends. In addition to her devotion to family and social prowess, Avis went on to build a fulfilling career in graphic design and facilities maintenance at Triton College. Through industrious work and natural tenacity, she became the head custodian. When she retired from Triton in 2011, she had amassed 20 years of committed service. Yet more than any professional achievement, Avis was most proud of being a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and dear friend.
After frequent visits to Ocala during retirement, Avis made the pivotal decision to relocate there in 2017. This decision transformed her retirement into a dynamic and enriching experience, igniting a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment defined by meaningful connections and a deep sense of belonging. Avis’ boundless enthusiasm for acting, singing, and volunteering landed her instrumental roles in the Performing Arts Company of Oak Run. Her love for volunteering opened doors for her at the Fierce and Friendly Women’s Group along with leadership opportunities on the Board of Royal Queens Women Empowerment. She enjoyed attending and donating to the gala events sponsored by the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research. While serving with Women of Wisdom (WOW), Avis discovered spiritual kinship and camaraderie with like-minded individuals, amplifying her sense of purpose. Avis’ enduring legacy will be celebrated for her capacity to uplift and support those around her, making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.
Her unwavering Christian faith served as a bedrock of strength, guiding Avis throughout her life from a young child to a spiritually mature adult. While fighting health challenges, she stood with unwavering courage and grace. An enduring soldier for Christ, Avis boldly announced her decision to trust the Lord with all of her heart. Her decision to place her life in God’s hands even encouraged medical professionals. As illness progressed, her faith remained constant. She continued to worship the Lord with blessed assurance that Jesus had prepared a place for her in heaven. Trusting in God’s plan, she found enduring solace in the promise of eternal life.
We honor and celebrate Avis’ beautiful life as she was welcomed in glory and into the loving arms of Jesus. We will always remember her bright spirit, radiant smile, listening ear, and comforting way she made everyone feel like family.
Avis is predeceased by her parents Isaac and Ruth Jean Marshall, brother Isaac Marshall, and leaves behind a legacy of love and light. She is survived by her loving children, Syreeta (Edward), Orson II (Lakenda), and Isaac (Tanya); her seven cherished grandchildren, Kayla, Iyonna, Imani, Isyss, Orson III, Isaac II, and Edward Jr; sisters Janice, Ursula, Paulette and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to the Avis J Ward Memorial Fund to manage her estate.