CORA WARD

Cora Dell Ward, 95, of Kankakee, IL, died Sunday, January 11, 2015 at her home. Visitation will be Friday, January 16, 2015 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Lax Mortuary and again on Saturday, January 17, 2015 from 9:00 A.M. until time of Funeral Services at 10:00 A.M. at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Emeritus William H. Copeland Jr. will deliver the eulogy. Burial will be in Kankakee Memorial Gardens. Cora Dell Ward was born on October 4, 1919 in Crawford, Mississippi. She was the third of four children born to Joe and Eliza Tharps. Cora was the only girl in the family, and she was loved and cherished by her brothers. She loved them just as much, but she loved the Lord even more, and she accepted Christ at an early age at Oakland Missionary Baptist Church. Cora was married to George Ward on February 19, 1942, and they were inseparable until he made his transition into glory in 2005. To their union, seven beautiful daughters were born and the family moved to Kankakee in 1952. No matter where they lived, their home was always the center of all family activities. Cora was employed at St. MaryÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Hospital for 35 years where she made many lifelong friends. She served as a member of the MotherÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Board at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church for many years before she became ill. Cora was small in stature, but she was a mighty Ã¢â‚¬Å"prayer warriorÃ¢â‚¬Â who could be called upon for encouragement and words of wisdom. Each grandchild felt that he or she was the favorite because she knew how to make each one feel special. She was Ã¢â‚¬Å"GramaÃ¢â‚¬Â to more than just her biological grandchildren because she had enough love for everyone. Cora made her peaceful transition into glory on January 11, 2015 while being cared for by her devoted daughter. She leaves to cherish her memory seven daughters: Voneva (Richard) Randle of Battle Creek, MI; Rosie (Lewis) Jackson of Waverly Hall, GA; Eliza (Cleveland) Thomas of Kankakee, IL; Anna (William) Randle of Kankakee, IL; Verga (Clezell) Rainey of Brooklyn Park, MN; Hattie (Murray) Cleaves of St. Anne, IL; and Ethel (Leonard) Holmes of Country Club Hills, IL; one brother, L.A. Tharps of St. Louis, MO; a special son-in-law, George Stevenson of Kankakee, IL; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George Ward; two brothers, Tommie Tharps and Joe Tharps.

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CORA WARD

October 4, 1919 - January 11, 2015