Lillian T. Ward's Obituary
Lillian Tankersley Ward, 78, of Chattanooga, Tennessee was escorted by the angels to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at her residence. God was able to look through the crowd and choose yet another flower for His beautiful garden. Born on February 11, 1946, here in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she was the beloved daughter of Herman and Ardie Mae Tankersley who both preceded her in death.
She was a product of Chattanooga Public Schools and a proud graduate of Riverside High School Class of 1965. Lillian embarked on a life of hard work and dedication. During her career, she was employed by The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Vulcan Materials Company and Erlanger Hospital where she worked until her retirement.
She enjoyed cooking, baking, taking walks, and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite saying, “There it is,” captured her kind, wise and steady spirit. Lillian was a loving and caring woman who stood firmly in her faith and inspired everyone she encountered.
Lillian gave her life to Christ at an early age, a decision that became the foundation of her faith. She was a dedicated and faithful member of New Horizon Baptist Church; a charter member of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully served in music, culinary, and youth ministries for each church. She visited the sick and shut-in even when she wasn't feeling well herself. Lillian was known for her unwavering faith, her love for others and her commitment to helping those in need. The songs “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin and “I Won’t Complain” by Rev. Paul Jones reflected her enduring faith and strength in life’s challenges. If you asked Lillian how she was doing, she would say definitely “I Won’t Complain” and “I’m Good.”
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Ward Jr.; daughter, Jawanna Drew Keesee; stepdaughter, Rita Ward-Johnson; and brothers, Bob and Willie Herman Tankersley. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her son, Cedric Drew; stepson, James Darrell (Karen) Ward Sr., both of Chattanooga; son-in-love, Paul D. (Kianna) Keesee Jr. of Nashville, TN; granddaughter, Sayvion Drew of Chattanooga, TN; four brothers, Eddie H. Johnson of Anniston, AL, Carl R. (Barbara) Johnson of Augusta, GA, Edward G. Tankersley, and Jimmy Tankersley, both of Chattanooga, TN; three sisters, Luvenia Echols of Columbus, OH, Vivian T. Evans of Chattanooga, TN, and Martha T. Sims of Jacksonville, AL; one brother-in-law, Bennie (Sandra) Ward; three sisters-in-law, Rose Bouie, Queen A. Glass, both of Chattanooga, TN, and Gloria Ward of Dallas, GA; a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Among her treasured friends are Emma Jewel Craig, Mary Evans, Reginald & Claraniece Ferguson and family, Zabra Kirksey, Idella Jones, Valencia Martin, Glenda Morgan, and Dorothy Powell, whose lives were enriched by her love and presence.
Lillian lived a fulfilled life for Christ. She was truly a Christian woman and served the Lord in her faithfulness and commitment to His work. Her life and legacy will forever inspire those who knew her.
Lillian will lie-in-state on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. at New Horizon Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Willie Paul as the Eulogist. Burial in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
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