Margaret Jean Ward, born March 8, 1940, in Linden, Texas, lived a life grounded in faith, family, service, and a deep curiosity about the world.
Jean was the daughter of N.S. Ward and Margaret Merle Morriss Ward and grew up with her brothers, N.S. Ward Jr. and Hillyer Ward. Her childhood took her to several Texas communities before she graduated from Anahuac High School in 1958. With a coach for a father and brothers who played sports, Jean became a lifelong and enthusiastic sports fan.
At age eight, Jean professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Linden, beginning a lifelong devotion that would guide her throughout her life.
She attended Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos before moving to Kerrville, where she would make her home for more than six decades. After working as a bookkeeper, Jean felt called to accept a position as secretary at Trinity Baptist Church, beginning 44 years of devoted service to the church.
Her service extended far beyond her position. Jean taught Sunday School, worked with Girls in Action, Acteens and the Women's Missionary Union, sang in the choir, played organ and piano when needed, and spent many years as a youth sponsor. She accompanied young people on trips to Glorieta, Alto Frio and other destinations and was always willing to drive a church van, lend a hand or step in wherever she was needed.
Even after retiring from Trinity in 2011, Jean continued to serve. She was a friendly greeter, volunteered in the children's area and prayer room, was a member of the flower ministry, and helped wherever she could.
Jean was equally devoted to her family. As her parents grew older and their health declined, she brought them to Kerrville and cared for them through the final years of their lives.
Jean had a deep love for the family ranch and the Texas Hill Country and was proud of her Texas heritage as a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She enjoyed sports, bowling, bridge and especially reading. Books were lifelong companions, and when the time came that she could no longer remain in her home, her books went with her.
She also loved to travel, visiting the Holy Land, Europe, the British Isles and destinations throughout the United States. She enjoyed cruises and mission trips, combining her love of seeing new places with the faith that remained at the center of her life.
Jean is survived by her brother, Hillyer Ward and wife Bonnie; sister-in-law, Peggy Ward; nephew, Scott Ward and wife Sharla; nieces, Jill Warren and husband Ryder, Courtney Ward, and Hillary Roy and husband Jean-Philippe; and numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, N.S. and Margaret Ward, and her brother, N.S. Ward Jr.
Her life is perhaps best summarized by her chosen life verse:
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
— Colossians 3:23–24
Jean lived those words faithfully. She saw where she could be useful, where someone needed care, or where something good could be done—and she did it.
A devoted Christian woman, Jean passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on August 17, 2026, leaving a legacy of faith and service in the many lives she touched.
A private family burial will be held at Sunset Cemetery in Mountain Home, Texas.
A celebration of Jean's life will be held at Trinity Baptist Church on Thursday, September 3, at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Texans on Mission.