Melanie Ward

Melanie Adrienne Ward was born on August 31, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, to Clifton S. Ward and Mildred P. Ward. The family had moved from Washington, D.C., beginning a new chapter of their lives in California. Melanie passed away on April 19, 2025, after a long illness.

She gave her life to the Lord and was baptized before she departed this life!

Melanie’s family traveled from California back to Washington, D.C., around 1974, where she finished her education in the D.C. Public School System.

She worked various jobs before going on to pursue higher education in the medical field, completing her training at the University of the District of Columbia and proudly graduating in 2020. After her graduation, she worked at BridgePoint Hospital as a respiratory therapist, a job that she loved!

Melanie had a variety of passions, but she particularly loved cooking, shopping, watching TV, and spending quality time with her family and friends, especially on Thanksgiving Day!

Melanie leaves to cherish her memory her son, Christopher J. Ward, and her daughter, Gretchen Ghea Ward, who shares her life with her caring and supportive partner, Eric Wilson. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Gretchen Waller (Deacon Dennis Waller), and her brother, Stephen Ward. The family circle extends to her niece, Zaria Howard, and her nephew, Zavier Howard, along with their mom, Arlette Howard, as well as many cousins and friends.

Melanie is preceded in death by her son, Edward R. Ward, and  her dearly departed parents, who together shaped her journey through life.

Melanie was a smart, funny, determined, feisty, and unafraid to speak her mind! She was greatly loved and will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

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