Jean Ward

Jean was born May 5, 1932 in Sardis, Tennessee, to parents John and Beulah Bradfield. She was welcomed by her two older sisters, Marie and Virginia, and would soon become an older sister to her brothers Spurgeon and John. Jean’s siblings were very special to her, and she cherished their relationships deeply.

When Jean was 19, she was working in a small cafe, when a rather handsome man was struck by her beauty. He recalls telling friends after his first encounter with her, “I’m going to marry that girl someday.” That man was Harold Gene Ward, and he did, in fact, marry that beautiful girl. On November 25, 1951 the two became one in the eyes of the Lord and vowed to love, cherish, and care for one another until death parted them. Those vows were fulfilled faithfully for 71 incredible years. Their union was an unwavering example to their family and friends of what the Lord intended marriage to be. They were each others rock, safe place, and eternal love, and always will be.

Jean and Harold welcomed and raised three daughters during their life together. Marla Denise (10/16/1954), Lisa Gaye (6/22/1957) and Kimberly Ann (3/11/1962). When asked to reflect on their childhood with Jean as their mama, her daughters described it as “happy”, “the home that all of our friends wanted to visit”, and “unceasingly loving.”Jean raised her children with a fervent love of Jesus, always pointing them to Him in times of joy and times of despair. Her unshakable faith in His promises molded her children into faithful servants of Christ.

In addition to being a doting mother, she was also the proud Mamaw to 6 grandchildren. Sarah, Tracey, and Melissa (Marla & Keith), Taylor (Lisa & Jeff), and Brent and Katelyn (Kim & Wally). Jean had a fierce love for each of her grandchildren; a love that was felt over many miles, states, and gaps of time between visits. No matter the path a grandchild took, Jean was always in their corner, providing encouragement, support, and an always open door for conversation.

From Jean’s 6 grandchildren, came 14 great grandchildren, who were the apples of Jean’s eye. Seth, Caleb, and Isaac Sausville (Sarah & Paul), Abigail and Carissa Davis (Tracey & Ben), Evie Mae Gann (Melissa & John), Easton, Isaiah, and Carter Kulik (Brent & Amanda) Violet, Olive, and Noelle Reynolds (Taylor & Josh), and Isabella and Noah Roskelly (Katelyn & Nick). Each time a new great grandchild was born, Jean’s heart and pride in her family grew exponentially. She loved each one with a fire only she could possess. Even Noelle, the only great grandchild she wasn’t able to physically meet, was loved just the same.

Outside of being an incredible family woman, Jean had many hobbies, including gardening, bird watching, reading, and decorating her home. Jean’s garden was known by all to be exceptionally beautiful, fruitful, and meticulously cared for. Sitting on her patio and enjoying the view was a favorite pass-time of friends and family alike. Jean’s yard was a haven for countless local birds. Multiples birdhouses, feeders, bird baths, and pines peppered her yard and brought in birds of many varieties. Jean loved to watch as they built nests, took baths, and came back north after long Michigan winters. If Jean wasn’t watching her beloved birds, you could find her with a book in her hand. From thrillers, to books detailing the lives of elephants, she was a fan of a wide variety of genres and passed her love of reading to many of her family members. Jean’s backyard wasn’t the only beautiful place in her home, she also had an impeccable knack for making every room stylish and inviting. Always on top of, if not ahead of, the latest trend, you could be sure there’d be something new to admire at every visit.

Jean and Harold were also active members of their church; Cornerstone Baptist. Jean adored attending their Sunday school group in which they had many close and loyal friends. Pastor Bob Johnson’s teachings of the scripture always spoke to Jean and deepened her understanding and belief in the Lord.

Jean is survived by her brother John Bradfield (Lorraine). Children Marla Denise Habermas (Keith), Lisa Gaye Ellis (Jeff), and Kimberly Ann Kulik (Wally). Her grandchildren Sarah Sausville (Paul), Tracey Davis (Ben), Melissa Gann (John), Brent Kulik (Amanda), Taylor Reynolds (Josh) and Katelyn Kulik (Nick Roskelly). Her great grandchildren Seth, Caleb and Isaac Sausville, Abigail and Carissa Davis, Evie Mae Gann, Easton, Isaiah, and Carter Kulik, Violet, Olive, and Noelle Reynolds, and Isabella and Noah Roskelly. Jean is also survived by nieces, her brother and sister in laws, and countless friends. She is preceded in death by her father John Bradfield, mother Beulah Bradfield (McAuley), brother Spurgeon Bradfield (Janice), sisters Marie Dial (Noble), and Virginia Painter. She is also preceded in death by countless friends and distant family members, all of whom were loved by her.

Open visitation will be held Friday, April 7th from 10am-noon with a service directly to follow.

Visitation and service will be held at:

Cornerstone Baptist Church

17017 East 12 Mile Rd

Roseville, MI 48066