On Nov. 1, 2020, Rebecca C. Ward, age 71, transitioned peacefully from this world to her eternal resting place, in her apartment in Hampton, surrounded by her sisters, children, sons-in-law and two granddaughters.

Rebecca was born in Monrovia, Liberia, to Rebecca Smith on Oct. 29, 1949. On Nov. 14, 1975, Rebecca entered holy matrimony with her soul mate, Herman C. Ward Sr.; together they had five children and reared so many more. Together they lived in Gloucester where they shared a life of farming and serving others until the death of her beloved husband.

Rebecca is survived by her children, daughter, Rosetta and Rickey Woodard; son, Herman C. and Regina Ward Jr.; daughter, Patricia Bernadette and Randy Lee Gray Sr.; son, Michael Eugene Ward and Amy Webb; daughter, Melissa Ward; three stepdaughters, Deborah D. and Ernest White, Minnie D. Ward, Loretta Boykins; one special daughter, Vanessa (John) Cotman; two sisters, Ophelia and William Davis, Roberta Jamison; one sister-in-law, Bertha Burrell; special nephew, Lawrence and Alisa Ward; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Viewing was held at Nickelson-Cummings Funeral Home, 4304 Victoria Boulevard, Hampton, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, 2-6 p.m., with the service being held on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, at noon in their chapel. Burial will be at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 10256 Indian Road, Gloucester. Due to the COVID restrictions a small private gathering will be held at the family home in Gloucester following the burial.