Geraldine Ward

It is with deep sadness that Geraldine Ward passed away on July 27, 2016. Geraldine was a wonderful woman who shared her smile and enthusiasm with so many. She and Ron just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on June 4th. Geraldine is survived by Ron's brother Larry Ward, his wife Martha and their three children Allen, Jeannine, and Sarah and their six boys and wives. Life started for Geraldine 71 years ago in Kingsport, Tennessee and she knew Ron since the 4th grade. She had a B.S. in nursing and was a school nurse in Ames, Iowa until 1969. That year she became disabled and had used a walker and wheelchair since that time. In 1970 she and Ron moved to Gainesville where he was a professor at the university. Her leadership skills became immediately evident to so many. She was the President of the Gainesville Junior Woman's Club, the Gainesville Woman's Club, and Girl's Place. Geraldine was also an inactive member of P.E.O. For many years she and Ron were a youth counselor at Trinity Methodist Church. Geraldine's heart was with the General Federation of Women's Club and the Gainesville Women’s Club that is part of GFWC. At the state level she chaired the Home Life Committee, the Public Relations Committee, the Community Improvement Committee, the Conservation Committee, and most recently the Awards Committee. She often said her most rewarding position was serving as District 5 Director for GFWC Florida. This was because she had the opportunity to work with so many club members throughout the district. Over the years at the Gainesville club she chaired just about every committee in the club, including the renovations of the current clubhouse. In every position she excelled by working with others and recognizing each person's unique skills. Every two years, the General Federation recognizing an outstanding woman at the state and regional levels. The Jennie June Award is the most prestigious award given by the Federation to an outstanding member and in 2013 Geraldine was honored with that award at both the Florida and Southern Region levels. Gainesville's Girls Place exists to expand the horizons for young girls and for many years Geraldine was the President of the Operations Board and Foundation Board. Her smile and gentle touch while being in a wheelchair was a testament to the young girls. In 2000 Geraldine was recognized for her many community volunteer accomplishments by being named one of Santa Fe College Women of Distinction. Geraldine was a devoted wife to her husband, who always said she was their social chairman. She traveled the world with him and developed friendships in so many places. Recent health struggles have been a challenge but she never lost her smile and joy for life. Geraldine's left her presence in the hearts of so many and will be missed. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, August 1, 2016 at 1:00pm at Trinity Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32653, with Rev. Catherine Price officiating. Services are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA. There will then be a service in Kingsport, Tennessee under the care of Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorials to The Girls Place, 2101 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32605, or to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.