Why do we mourn departed friends or shake at death's alarm?

Tis but the voice that Jesus sends to call them to His arm.

This is just another soldier gone to get the great reward.

She fought the fight; she kept the faith and now she has gone home to God

Barbara C. Ward was born in Passaic, New Jersey to Nathaniel Cunningham and Jeanette Terry on December 12, 1947, She died July 8, 2024, at 3:28 a.m. at home with her loving husband spanning forty-one years, faithful friend, and confidant, Ricky, at her bedside.

She became a Christian when young and joined Saint Cyprian's Episcopal Church, 1242 West Queen Street, Hampton, Virginia. Barbara served as an usher, hospitality worker and a member of the altar guild. She endeavored to demonstrate her Christian beliefs and convictions ever afterward.

Her devoted life was as the fragrance of a beautiful rose, and her influence will ever live in the people she touched. We are gathered today to pay tribute to one of God's servants, upon whose head rests a crown studded with sparkling jewels of her golden deeds.

She possessed a resolute manner and a hospitable demeanor toward family and friends. She enjoyed talking especially about her husband (Ricky) and other family members. Barbara loved traveling with friends and shopping. She loved life! Barbara lived with physical afflictions all her life, but never would you hear her complaining about them, she bore her pain patiently.

Barbara possessed so many lovable attributes but, she has gone to her reward; she will be missed by her husband Ricky, the family, and by all who knew her, but this is the will of the Lord and God's way. So, we with mournful hearts and tears submit to the sovereignty of God.

His will must be done, and she has left a living example of loving service worthy of emulation which tribute should bear some comfort to her loving husband who did all he could for her comfort and to prolong her life if possible. But when the sun of life reaches its zenith with the brightness of a well-spent life, when the passing comes, we can only say that a beautiful life has ended.

Those whom we have known are known no more; those we love are taken away, but God knows best and will always do the best for us.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Nathaniel (father) Cunningham and Jeanette (mother) Terry, and  Lonnie (brother) Pough. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband Ricky L. Ward, John and Nathaniel, Jr. Cunningham (brothers),  Ashley (sister) and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at St. Cyprian's   Episcopal  Church, 1252 W. Queen Street, Hampton, VA.