Obituary

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters .

Lionel Ward, son of James Oliver Ward, Sr. and the late Ella Mae Ward was born on June 18, 1961 in Baltimore Maryland. He departed this life on July 4, 2016. He was one of five and next to the youngest child of this past union.

He gave his life to Christ in 2015 joined Cherry Hill United Methodist Church and was member of the Men's Chorus.

Early on it was hard to ignore Lionel's strong boisterous magnetic personality. His presence was commanding and he would tell you how it is. He was well known in his community for his athleticism. He excelled in every sport he attempted. He was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. He was a part of the first graduating class coming out of Southern High School. He was just as intelligent as he was athletic; always intrigued and engaged into learning new things and being exposed to new experiences.

After high school he joined the Armed Forces Military to be able to provide a better life for himself. Lionel was stationed at many places such as Korea, Seattle, Germany and Oklahoma to name a few. Always thirsty for knowledge it is no surprise that he adapted and learned new languages in his travels. He was multilingual so his gift of gab wasn't limited to just English. He proudly served 20 years of his life for his country. His service afforded him the opportunity to expose his ex-wife Norma Butler and children Daamal Sr., and Ashley to different cultures and countries to cherish forever.

In later years, he worked several jobs as a laborer and chef. He was an avid reader of worldly news and current events. He was affectionately known for his storytelling and Bernie Mac impressions.

He was really big on family and togetherness. He always would announce who you were and how you were related to make sure you knew from where you came, no matter how many times you had already been introduced. Later on in his life, Lionel went on to blend and extend his family further with his longtime partner Joyce Ferguson. From that union he became dad and grandfather to her children whom he loved just as his own.

His hobbies included fishing, cooking and enjoying a nice brew now and again. He had endurance and was extremely fit as he still had a daily workout regimen. He would often refer to himself as young and vibrant.

He leaves to cherish his memory his father, James O. Ward, Sr., and stepmother Beatrice Ward, his son Daamal Lionel Ward, Sr. (Sanchez) and daughter Ashley Nicole Ward, and step-daughters Kishia Tinner, Kizzy Tinner, Shanelle Winbush and Ronnetta Winbush; grandchildren Daysha, Bryan, Cordell, Jr, Daamal Jr., Donte, London, Curtis, Montajhae, Shanya, Montez, Dior, Raniya, Dashaun, Davonte, Makayla, Teriji, and Aundrea; his siblings James Jr., Stanley, Warren, Ricky and Gina and step-brothers and sisters Herbert, Jackie and Kevin, his life partner whom he loved very dearly, Joyce Ferguson, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.