Doris Whitton Ward

Mrs. Ward was a strong, independent woman long before it was fashionable. She graduated from high school in Birmingham at age 16. Then she began working. Later she met ayoung man named Roy who was returning from service in the Army in World War II. They fell in love and at age 18 she married him. Together, they raised their beloved only child, Tessa. Mrs.Ward’s hard work and reliability gained her positions of responsibility including Head Accountant for the Birmingham Symphony and Chief Accountant for construction of the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center.

They moved to Gulf Shores, Alabama for the benefit of Mr. Ward’s health. They returned to Birmingham in 2003 and he passed away soon after. Mrs. Ward was always involved in the churches where they were members. She served as class president, Hospitality Committee, Vacation Bible School worker and many other ways. Her journey on earth was marked by love, compassion and unwavering faith in God. Her desire was always to serve her Lord in the best way she could. She was a member of Meadow Brook Baptist Church for 23 years when she passed away.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, daughter, Tessa Cox, her parents, CF and Bertha Whitton, brother, Charles Whitton and two sisters, Oris Brown and Jere Hobson. Survivors include son-in-law, Jack Cox, two grandchildren, Catherine Cox and Chris Cox; and six great-grandchildren, Taylor Cox, Annemarie Cox, Elizabeth Tremblay-Cox, Tessa Tremblay-Cox, Anna Grace Tremblay-Cox and Ashlyn Cox and numerous nieces and nephews. Though her passing will leave a void in the hearts of family and friends, we can rest assured that Doris, Roy and Tessa are now celebrating their reunion in heaven.

A private graveside service for family only will be at Elmwood Cemetery. Mrs. Ward wanted to encourage others to feel the joy that comes with serving others. Her request was for you to not spend time mourning her passing but to take that time and serve others with a joyful heart.

In lieu of a memorial service or flowers, she requested that family and friends take some time to serve someone else in honor of her and our Lord.