The family of Terry Ann Ward announce her passing on May 31, 2026. Born in 1960 to Joyce Williams and the late Donald Birk in Granite City, Illinois, Terry was a dedicated paramedic for more than 30 years. She was known for her resilience, strength, wisdom, and her ability to teach others.
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry with them fond memories of shopping trips, good meals she cooked, and quality time spent making memories.
She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Barry Ward; her mother, Joyce Williams; her sister, Charlotte Williams; and her brother, Rex (Sheri) Birk.
She is also survived by her children, Amanda, Dustin (Sarah), Dana, and Amber (Alex); grandchildren Shelbi, Sidney, Robyn, Angel, Nathan, Trevor, Adlee, Ariel, Bentley, Carson, Addison, Carlee, and Reese; and great-grandchildren Grayson, Karter, Kayden, Thomas, Gabi, Tylen, Braylen, and September.
Terry is further survived by many loving family members including aunts, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Nicholas; her sister, Wanda McEuen; her grandparents, Lucille and John Bowman; her Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jim Bush; and her mother-in-law, Marilyn Ward.
A memorial service will be held at New Hope Southern Baptist Church in Palmersville, Tennessee, on June 6th. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by the service officiated by Bro. Craig Peevyhouse. Food and fellowship will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the New Hope Southern Baptist Church fund (1949 New Hope Church Rd Palmersville TN. 38241-5155) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. Or online at: stjude.org).