Gloria Mae Ward, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 25, 2025, in Fresno, California. She was 87 years old.

Gloria was born on April 3, 1938, to Russell E. Smith Sr. and Allene Elizabeth Sexton in Hannibal, Missouri. In 1941, the family relocated to Pacific Grove, California, where Gloria attended Pacific Grove High School and later enrolled at Hartnell College.

Gloria married Lewis Conway Ward in 1959. Together, they had four children: Deborah, Beverlee, Lewis II, and Linda.

In 1971, Gloria moved to San Jose, California, where she worked as a teller for Wells Fargo Bank for many years. Gloria retired as a clerk typist for Santa Clara County.

In 1991, Gloria moved to Stockton, California where she was an active member of the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and later Galatians Community Church there, she served on the Mothers Board and sang in the choir. She also enjoyed being a nanny for Dr Parker-Fong Family.

In 2023, Gloria relocated to Madera, California, to live with her daughter, Deborah, and son-in-law, Mark.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Russell Smith Sr. and Allene Elizabeth (Sexton) Miller, and siblings Alonzo Miller and Sharon Johnson.

Gloria is survived by her children, Deborah Boutte` (Mark Boutte`, Beverlee White, Lewis C. Ward II (Ruth Jordan-Ward), and Linda Ward. She leaves behind siblings Rex, Russell, Michael, Rosiland, Jackie, and Shirley. Gloria is also lovingly remembered by ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren (with one due in the spring), three great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Acknowledgements

The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown during our time of bereavement. Thank you to all who called, sent cards, bought food and prayed for the family of Gloria Ward.