Jimmie Lee Ward Sr.

Jimmie Lee Ward Sr., age 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a long illness, Monday, December 19, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Jimmie was the son of the late Clifton and Mattie Ward. He was born in Quitman, MS, on December 9, 1940, and moved to Racine at the age of nine years old.

Jimmie was educated in the Racine school system. He graduated from Gateway Technical College, where he learned the trade as an electrician. Jimmie was the marble champion of Racine as a teen and represented Racine, WI, in New York where he placed 3rd. He was baptized at Greater St. Luke’s Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor E.E. Woods. Jimmie was employed by Racine Steel Castings as an electrician for forty years. He was a member of the “20 Year Club” at Racine Steel and member of UAW Local #553. Jimmie enjoyed listening to the blues, family gatherings, going to the track and playing the lottery.

On July 9, 1966, JImmie married the love of his life, the former Eliza Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of forty-five years, Eliza; six children, Tommie (Sequendalyn) Johnson, Mary (Troy) Beadles, all of OK, Jeanette Brown of MS, Jimmie Lee Ward Jr. of IA, Joyce Ward, Marsha Holloway, both of Racine; three brothers, Johnny Ray, LeRoy and Allen Ward, all of Racine; sister, Rosemary (Henry) Townes of PA; eighteen grandchildren, Antinique, Alexander, Tiara, Mario, Austin, Troy, Maurice, Tiffany, Jimmal, Jimmesha, Jimmie, Dequan, Maria, Justice, Moesha, M’Neisha, Michael and Isaac; eight great-grandchildren; special nephews, Bobby and Joseph; and a host of other relatives and friends. Longtime friends, Enus, Sam and Tom; Aunt Essie Nelson of MS. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Cliff and Joe Curtis; sisters, Vera, Betty and Dorothy; niece, Sherryl; great-niece and nephew, Brandy and Shante.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 23, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Greater St. Luke’s Baptist Church, 1326 State St., with Rev. A.W. Scaife officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

A very special thank you to the staff at Divita, the Lincoln School residents, and the staff at Wheaton Franciscan for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888