Jo Lorraine Parker Ward died at Southampton Hospital on May 25. She was 84.
Born October 26, 1931, in Southampton County, Virginia, she was the daughter of Charlie Parker and Helen Davis Parker Fields, both of whom predeceased her, and a native member of the Nottoway Indian tribe.
She attended public school in Virginia and later East Hampton High School. She worked as a house manager for The Creeks, owned by Alfonso Ossorio and Edward Dragon, for 40 years. When she retired, she spent her time raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was baptized as a youngster at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Virginia. After relocating to Long Island, she joined the Community Baptist Church, serving on its Usher Board for many years and attending services regularly.
Ms. Ward was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence Parker; and a sister, Louise Levy. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, James Ward Sr.; four children, Gloria Palmore and husband Donald, Helen Walker and husband Andy, Laverne Ward and husband Herm and James Ward Jr. and wife Peggy; eight grandchildren, Nicole Johnson and husband Fred, Elliot Ward and wife Nicole, Kitwanna Johnson and wife Stephanie, LaToya James and husband Derrick, James Ward III, Cory Ward, Lindsay Smith and husband Peter, and Antoinette Walker; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by a sister, Audrey Gaines; a brother-in-law, Roosevelt Ward and wife Francis; two sisters-in-law, Lilly Walker and husband Shelton and Marion Fields and husband Chet; as well as many relatives and friends.
A funeral took place on May 31 at the Community Baptist Church in Southampton.