Barbara Jean Ward
Barbara Jean Ward, nee Daniels affectionately known as Bobba Jean, BJ and Nana B was born on April 21, 1945 to the late Fred Bolen and Willie Mae Stokes, nee Daniels in Micanopy, Fl. She graduated from Lincoln High in 1963. Barbara departed this life on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at Compassionate Care Hospice of Hamilton Twp. N.J. in the presence of loving family members and loyal friends.
At an early age Barbara dedicated her life to Christ was baptized and a faithful member of the family church Ward Chapel in Micanopy, Florida.
Barbara relocated to Trenton, New Jersey in the late 1960’s. Because of her love for children, seniors and her community, Barbara pursed her career with community based agencies throughout the City of Trenton. Those employers included Headstart at UPI, The Reading Senior Citizens Programs and Trenton Housing Authority. Ms. Ward continued to follow her passion while working tirelessly assisting local residents with housing needs at North 25, Clinton Court and Warren Street Apartments.
Barbara had a zest for community empowerment and channeled that energy as a volunteer for various civic efforts including the political campaigns of the late Councilman Albert M. “Bo” Robinson, Councilwoman Jenny Stubblefield, Mayor Douglas Palmer, Mayor Eric Jackson and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman.
Barbara was dedicated in her interactions as a member of The National Congress of Black Women.
Barbara was a member of Union Baptist Church where she displayed her God given talents in the soprano section of the church’s choir and as a member of the Hospitality ministry.
Ms. Barbara was known for being a meticulous wedding planner, sharing her interior designing skills, making floral arrangements and she enjoyed crocheting.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and nephews Alexander Stokes III and Sean X. Stokes.
Barbara Ward leaves to celebrate her life, her companion Lefone “Cap” Crossland, Jr.; two sons and one daughter in-law Reginald and Audrey Peterson of Lemon Grove, California; Kevin Peterson of Micanopy, Florida. Two daughters and one son in-law; Sabrina L. McMillan of Vineland, New Jersey; Kimberly and James McMillan of Trenton, New Jersey. One precious granddaughter, her princess, Kennedy Iman McMillan of Trenton, New Jersey. Eight siblings, Sandra Kay Daniels of Micanopy, Florida; Alexander Stokes, Jr. of Albany, New York; Elder Melanie Diane Dees of Sumter, South Carolina; Mitchell Nathaniel (Ann) Stokes of North Augusta, South Carolina; Kenneth Earl Stokes of Gainesville, Florida; Reverend Christopher Clarence (Dolly) Stokes of Citra, Florida; Lavada Yvette Bradshaw of Micanopy, Florida and April Denise Stokes of Tampa, Florida. In addition Barbara is survived by her two aunts Dorothy Bell Morris of Mulberry Florida; Margaret Tate of Reddick, Florida and her uncle Reverend Richard D. (Doris) Daniels of Leesburg, Florida; ten nieces, six nephews and a host of great nieces, nephews and cousins; two goddaughters Cameshia Caldwell and Morgan Siani Mitchell; special friends Lil Sapp, Lynn Mitchell, Pat Hood, Ella Carter, Alexander McMillan and The Crossland/Jones Family; a special son Kenneth R. King Sr. and a host of extended relatives and friends…including her 1st grandbaby Icesis the beloved Shih tzu she bought for her daughter Kim in 2003. Barbara’s legacy of love, faith, courage and service will continue to live on through her family and friends.
Funeral service will be 10am Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Union Baptist Church 301 Pennington Ave. Trenton, NJ. Calling hours will be 8am until time of service at the church. Interment will be private. Arrangements are by the Hughes Funeral Home.