She was born on October 29, 1933, in Davidson, NC, the oldest daughter of Madge and James Fortner. She was sister to her beloved siblings Ted Fortner Sr. and Martha Jane McInnis, all who predeceased her.
Jean graduated in 1952 from N. Mecklenburg High School and then attended Greensboro College, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Philosophy and Religion. Her professional career was spent as a Christian Educator at Muirs Chapel UMC (1956-1958), Director of Children’s Ministries at Centenary UMC (1976-1996) and volunteer Christian Education at Glenwood UMC, the family’s church. Glenwood UMC merged with Christ United Methodist Church where she became a member finding new friendships and continuing past relationships.
She met her husband, William S. Ward (Bill) while doing her college fieldwork at Glenwood UMC and they were married on June 4, 1955, and they enjoyed a wonderful and loving 60 years together. She missed him everyday after his death in October of 2015.
Jean served on the board of Trustees at Greensboro College for 39 years. She served as president of GC Alumni Assoc. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1989 and was named Life Member of the Alumni Assoc. She loved Greensboro College and the lifelong friendships she found there. As an extension of her Christian Faith, she was motivated to serve others and held numerous leadership volunteer roles in the church as well as in the community.
She was a 31-year stage 4 ovarian cancer survivor and was grateful everyday for her blessed life.
Jean is survived by her son Stan Ward of Oak Ridge, NC, her daughter Beth Ward Fonorow and son-in-law Bob Fonorow of Summerfield, NC. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Joey Fortner and was an aunt, great aunt, and great-great aunt to her adored nieces and nephews, who brought her great joy. In addition, she is also survived by an even larger extended family.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 12 at 2:00pm at Christ United Methodist Church, visitation will take place an hour prior in the gathering space of Christ United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Westminster Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to her beloved Greensboro College by check or online. Please add “In memory of Jean Fortner Ward” to the memo or subject line.
Greensboro College
Development office
815 West Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Online gifts may be made www.greensboro.edu/give/
