Obituary of Jessie Henry Ward

Jessie Henry Ward, 69, passed on to his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, after a brief battle with COVID pneumonia. Jessie was born on August 5, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois to Willie and Bertha Ward. He was a graduate of Dowagiac Union High School in which he participated in sports. In his adulthood, Jessie took interest in learning to renovate homes. Eventually, this became his love and passion. Every opportunity Jessie had to remodel a home for someone was an opportunity for him to share his love and become a friend. Jessie’s life may seem too short to many, but those whose lives he touched understand that his quality of existence far exceeded the quantity of time he spent with them. His gentle smile, loving heart, and soft-spoken voice brought so much joy to his family and friends. Jessie was an active member of Journey of Faith Church, where he volunteered in many different ministries. Jessie was a people person, always felt the need to help others when he could. His smile was contagious, and his heart was big. He devoted much of his time and energy caring for the needs of his family and close friends. Jessie is survived by five children, Catrinka (Raynoldo) Johnson, Jessie Ward II, LaTisha (Charles) Wade-Winston, Michael (Jessica) Ward, Nina (Zachary) Freeman, and Christian Lucas; 19 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and a plethora of well-loved friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Addie Payne, his parents Willie and Bertha Ward, two brothers Walter and Andy Ward, one sister Linda Ward, and a grandson, Charles Johnson. Although Jessie has departed from this life, he will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him forever. He will be remembered as a die-hard Notre Dame fan. Go Irish! Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 30402 M-62 West, Dowagiac Michigan. A time of sharing stories and memories will begin at 12:30 PM. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial donations in his memory may be directed to the family in care of Catrinka Johnson Memories of Jessie may be left for his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.