The Beautiful Story of
Vicki Lynn Ward-Oliver
Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear, though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
On July 30, 1957, a beautiful baby girl named, Vicki Lynn Ward, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Frederick and Mildred Ward. She made the transition to her heavenly home on October 13, 2022, at the age of 65.
Vicki, or “Vic”, as she is so lovingly referred to by her family, inherited a rich legacy of faith, love and family, and an incredibly strong work ethic. She graduated from Erieview Catholic High School and received her Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University. She later received her Juris Doctorate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Vicki was a phenomenal criminal defense attorney for over 35 years where she zealously and diligently represented her clients. She was the best at her craft, won so many of her cases, and was often referred to as the “Giant Killer” in the courtroom.
She served on the board for the Federal Bar Association Northern District of Ohio Chapter, was a member of the Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Legal Association for over 25 years, was a member of the Judge4Yourself Judicial Selection Committee, and served as a panelist on the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Northern District of Ohio. She also recently served as a proud member of the Ohio Public Defender Commission. Vicki was a generous mentor to many young lawyers in the community, inviting several to work as interns in her practice. She was a tireless social justice advocate and judicial campaigner.
Vicki met and fell in love with Johnny Oliver at The Ohio State University. They decided to kick off their marriage with a bang by traveling to Las Vegas to officially tie the knot. Shortly after, they welcomed their baby girl, Lauren, into the world. Vicki was overjoyed at the birth of her daughter and affectionately called her “Pooh Bear.” She and Lauren would become the best of friends anyone could ever imagine. She created so many beautiful memories with her family, including traveling around the world, watching and attending tennis matches, and visiting their home away from home, Martha’s Vineyard. Vicki loved being the best dressed and strutting in the highest of heels (she was lovingly referred to as Ms. America by her closest friends). She enjoyed trying all the hottest restaurants and wineries in Cleveland with Lauren and her troupe of girlfriends. She achieved one of her biggest dreams of traveling to Europe where she and Lauren visited France and Italy in a once-in-a-lifetime trip. She loved it so much that she decided to include Johnny on the next trip. She also had a passion for football, which was instilled in her by her father, and was a gifted hostess who enjoyed cooking and fellowshipping with friends, which she learned from her mother.
Most importantly, Vicki was a woman of faith who lived her love for the Lord. She was a devoted member of Fifth Christian Disciples of Christ, as was her mother. Vicki served on the Board of Trustees, was a frequent Women’s Day speaker, and a Vacation Bible School teacher. She continued her service to the church community at Affinity Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Ronald Maxwell. At Affinity Missionary Baptist Church she completed a 4-year systematic Bible Study program and graduated in June 2022. Lauren often joked that her mom did more work in the Bible Study program than Lauren did in her master’s program. Vicki served as an attorney for Affinity Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the peace and social justice ministry. She had a giving heart and would help anyone no matter what.
Vicki was the heart of her family and had the brightest smile in the room. She had a wicked sense of humor and the most memorable laugh. You couldn’t help but smile or burst into laughter when she was in the room.
She will be deeply, deeply missed but leaves her legacy of love for her family to: her husband, Johnny Oliver; her daughter, Lauren Oliver; her late nephew, Lance Ward; her niece, Erica Jones; her two sisters, the late Frederica Ward and Alicia Jones; her brothers-in-law, Robert Johnson (Pinky); Sammie Oliver; Larry Oliver (Rene); Clarence Oliver (Theresa); and sisters-in-law, Juanita Oliver and Diane Oliver; along with a host of special nieces, nephews, and amazing friends.