Julie Beth Ward

Julie Beth Ward of Bartow, FL took her first Heavenly breath on October 3, 2025 while her oldest sister was with her. Julie was born with Down Syndrome on August 12, 1964 and was truly a miracle child, and an Angel Unaware. Julie never let Down Syndrome define her. Instead, she was known for her huge smile, infectious laughter, awesome hugs, loving spirit, childlike wonder, and most of all her love of Jesus. Julie was a long-time member of Providence Baptist Church and First Baptist of Brandon Special Needs Sunday School. Julie lived at the Sunrise Community Home in Brandon for many years before moving to the Sunrise Intermediate Care Home in Bartow. She was loved by staff and residents alike as she modeled unconditional love, patience (mostly), and kindness, and joy.

Julie enjoyed listening to the music of Reba McEntire, Dennis Lee, and traditional church hymns while crocheting or coloring. She was fluent in sign language, enjoyed bowling, going to the beach, and attending the Strawberry Festival each year. Julie’s loving and happy demeanor also gave her a confidence to show her sassy side every now and then while she enjoyed outings to local restaurants, and regular trips to have her hair and nails done. She could always be counted on to brighten any room with her presence.

While Julie attended MacDonald Training Center, graduating 1985, she began participating in Special Olympics. Then after attending a day program for several years, she began her career at Olive Garden and worked there for over 10 years, while continuing to participate in Special Olympics. Julie won multiple Special Olympics trophies, medals, and ribbons for swimming, bowling and tennis until 2020.

One final word about Julie. She loved Jesus and loved to pray. Her prayer was “Dear Jesus, please help. Please help us all. Amen” And with a smile and confident little shoulder shrug, she believed it was taken care of and the matter settled. It was in God’s Hands.

Julie is survived by her 3 sisters and their husbands, Salby (Robert), Roxana (Zachiariah), and Candace (Timothy), and 1 niece, 2 nephews, and 2 great nieces. She is preceded in death by both her mother, Elizabeth, and her father, Jennings.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Sunrise Community for their excellent care of Julie, and for giving her an amazing home and high quality of life. Also, many thanks to Vitas Healthcare for all their support during a most difficult time.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home located at 2198 K-Ville Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sunrise Community, Inc., 9040 Sunset Drive, Miami FL, 33173, Attention: Margaret Feldman. If a sending a check, please write in the memo: Donation for Bartow Operations

If donating online, please visit: https://sunrisegroup.org/donate/

Under Gift Preferences click “Location” and select “Sunrise Community of Central Florida (Bartow).”