Ara Jean Ward, age 86, of Flintville, TN, passed away on May 27, 2024, at Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville, AL with her family at her side. Jean was born on May 20, 1938 in Lincoln County, TN, daughter of the late Clayton and Pauline Mann. She was a lifelong resident of the Shady Grove community. Jean was a seamstress at Serbin, and she also worked at Amana and Goodman manufacturing. She enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, cheering on the Tennessee Vols, watching live music and shows, and making new friends. She truly never met a stranger. She was a devout Christian and member of the Huntland church of Christ, and also attended Washington Street church of Christ later in life. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband: William Gale Ward; daughter: Paula White; granddaughter: Jessica Simmons; and brother: Richard Mann.

Survivors include her daughters: Sarah George (Doyle Steele), Brandi (Chris) Barnes; son-in-law: Ric White; sister: Helen Clark; brother: Ray (Shirley) Mann; sister-in-law: Betty Mann; grandchildren: Ronald Simmons, Christopher (Michelle) Simmons, Keith (Nicole) White, Elizabeth Barnes (Jake) Kelley, Molly Barnes, and Stewart Barnes; 12 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with Jake Kelley, Andy Lyon and Keith White officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ara Jean Ward.