Jacqueline Ellis Ward, 77, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Christus Dubuis Hospital of Beaumont. She was born on January 24, 1939, in Cairo, Illinois, to Celia Yosick Ellis and Fred W. Ellis, Jr.

Jackie graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Illinois in 1957.  After graduating, she moved to Miami, Florida where she met her husband Bill while enjoying all South Florida had to offer.  All three daughters were born in Opa-locka, Florida before she moved her family to Beaumont, Texas in 1970, but always remaining a Yankee at heart.  Her only son followed soon after.  As her children grew a little older, she went to work for Beaumont Medical and Surgical Hospital, “M.A.S.H.” She retired after 20 years as Data Processing Supervisor.  Her retirement was loaded with the things she loved; beautiful flowers, good shows, great books, her kittens, and most importantly, her grandchildren who she felt shined a beautiful light on her life and had pride in all of them.  Mom-“Nannie”, you made all our lives incalculably better with your love, grace, and fierce loyalty to name just a few.  It is time for you to relax in that wondrous garden surrounded by your favorite flowers, kitties, and a good book.  Just know that we will celebrate and cherish you forever.

Jacqueline was survived by her daughters, Sheryl Reeves and her husband, Calvin, of Joaquin; and Pam Williams and her husband, Mark, of Evadale; son, Christopher Ward of Beaumont; sister, Deborah Roper and her husband, Mike, of Norfolk, Virginia; and grandchildren, Kristen Wenzel of Tyler; Wade Williams, Wes Williams, and Wendy Williams, all of Evadale; Bobby Witt and Michael Witt of Vidor; and Rachael Reeves of Joaquin.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William C. Ward; daughter, Denise Wenzel; and brother, Scott Prescott.

A Rosary will be recited for Mrs. Ward at 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, June 19, 2016, with a gathering of her family and friends to follow until 7:00 p.m., at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 20, 2016, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5075 Bigner Road, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.