Billie Jean Ward, born on June 20, 1946, in Gilliam, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at her home in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, at the age of 79.

The daughter of the late Melvin Warren Brown and Annie (Rumely) Brown, Billie was a woman of profound faith and a loving spirit. She dedicated her life to her family and her ministry, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met.

After graduating from Glenville High School, Billie earned her master’s in Christian Counseling. She enjoyed a career at Nestlé Frozen Foods, where she worked for 10 years before retiring. In her retirement, she poured her energy into her passions: cooking delicious meals for her family, getting lost in a good book, and finding hidden treasures at thrift stores. She also loved hosting and decorating her home, bringing warmth and beauty to every gathering. A woman of many talents, Billie adored going to the theater, traveling with her beloved husband, and, most of all, spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her life was a testament to her faith, and her church involvement was extensive. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher at Prayer Temple, and the First Lady, Sunday School Superintendent, and Vacation Bible School teacher at Holy Trinity Family Center. Billie also ministered, sang, and taught bible study and volunteered at the Holy Trinity Family Center’s foodbank and kids club. She was an evangelist-missionary in the Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ. She was a co-director of the kids club at Miles School, where she also read to preschoolers and tutored. She also served as a teacher at the Northeast Ohio School of Ministry.

Billie’s humble, patient, and kind nature was a gift to all who knew her. She was a virtuous, wise, and encouraging presence, known for bringing laughter to others. She lived her life as a beacon of light, always pointing others toward hope and love.

Billie is survived by her devoted husband of many years, Willie Ward III, and their children: Willie Ward IV (Satomi), April Bachelor, John Ward (Rose Marie), Gabrielle Millard, and Laura Burress (Jordan). She leaves behind ten adoring grandchildren: Eve Cavin (Dennis), India Bachelor, Caddell Bachelor II, Skylar Bachelor, Elijah Ward, Joshua Ward, Nehemiah Ward, Noah Millard, Levi Burress, and Hannah Burress. She is also survived by her siblings: Sandra Brown; Janice Wesley (Raymond); Pammer Boyd; June Burgess, Beverly Powell; Diane Hudson (Sylvester); Alvin Brown; and Maurice Brown. She was preceded in death by her brother, Melvin Warren Brown (Claudette).

Billie’s memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of love, faith, and generosity will live on in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched.