---

Vivian L. Jones Ward

Vivian L. Jones Ward

March 12, 2013

Vivian L. Jones Ward, 94, of Athens, died Tuesday morning, March 12, 2013, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

She was born Sept. 26, 1918, in Manley\'s Chapel to the late James Laster and Lela Mae Odle Jones and was also preceded in death by her husband, Willard; two sisters, Edna Farnsworth and Thelma McLin; and three brothers, Grady Jones, John Paul Jones and Troy Jones.

She spent her childhood years in the Sugar Tree area and graduated from Halladay High School, where she was valedictorian. She attended Union University in Jackson, but left to marry Willard Lea Ward in 1937. They were married for 54 years.

After residing in Southern California, where Willard was stationed while in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, they settled in Sevierville, where their daughter, Kathy, was born in 1946, and son, Steve, in 1951. They resided in Sevierville for 25 years, where they were active in the community and were members of First Presbyterian Church. In 1971, Vivian and Willard moved to Athens, where they lived their remaining years.

Vivian held many jobs during her life. She enjoyed people and excelled in her positions, including advertising manager for the Sevier County News-Record, librarian of the Sevierville Public Library, Chamber of Commerce of Sevierville and Welcome Wagon of Athens. She held positions in many organizations during her life, including Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, Auxiliary President of American Legion Post 104 and many church and community activities.

She enjoyed reading, bridge and golf. She and Willard travelled extensively after his retirement and they especially enjoyed couples golf at Springbrook Golf & Country Club. They were members of Mars Hill Presbyterian Church and, later, Keith Memorial United Methodist Church in Athens.

As a lifelong learner, she kept pace with the world and embraced new ideas. Beginning in her later 80\'s, she learned computer skills to keep up with family and friends via email and Facebook. Her incredibly sharp mind kept her interested in the latest developments in world events and golf.

Survivors include her children, Kathy Wade and her husband, Bill, of Austin, Texas, and Steve Ward and his wife, Deborah, of Sevierville; her grandchildren, Billy and Jennifer Wade and Matt and Julie Ward; and many nieces and nephews.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to the staff at Morning Pointe Assisted Living of Athens for their loving care.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Smith Funeral & Cremation Services, with a service to follow at 6 p.m. in the chapel with the Rev. Will Shelton officiating. A brief graveside service will be 4 p.m. Saturday at Camden Cemetery in Camden.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1, Athens, TN 37371-0001; or McMinn County Senior Citizens, 205 McMinn Ave., Athens, TN 37303.

If you are unable to attend this service or visitation, sign the guest register at www.jerrysmithfuneralhome.com

Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is serving the family of Vivian L. Jones Ward.