Geraldene Ward Obituary

Geraldene (Jerre) Ward went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 6,2025. She is now celebrating her joyous reunion with her husband, other loved ones, and friends peacefully and free of pain.
Jerre was born in Greenfield, Tennessee on September 5, 1930 to Lexie E. Holt and Annie B. Miller. She married Charles (Chuck) Ward, a Navy Sailor before World War Il began. After he returned from service, they moved to Lansing, Michigan with Chuck working at GM and Jerre starting her first job at the Kellogg Center, operating a switchboard. Twenty-one years later, she had worked her way up to becoming Risk Manager for Michigan State University (one of the first women to hold that position). One of her greatest accomplishments was establishing MUSIC, a Self Insurance Corporation for eleven Michigan State Universities. After retiring from MSU, she continued her expertise analyzing insurance policies at Voss Insurance Company, retiring the second time at 82 year old.
Jerre gave much of her time volunteering at Judson Baptist Church in a wide variety of roles. She wrote grants for the Love Clothing Center, served as Moderator, Chair of the Trustees, Church Historian, Church Administrator and Memorials Coordinator and still found time to faithfully make weekly visits to shut-ins. Jerre was dedicated serving others by making meals or sending cards when someone was ill or just needed cheering up. When not working or serving others, Jerre worked in her flower gardens, fed the birds daily and watched the squirrels take over her backyard. She regularly shared afternoons with her special card ladies that formed a forever bond of friendships and love. Her baked chocolate chip cookies with a secret ingredient, was enjoyed by neighbors and grandkids. She always looked forward to traveling to Lake Michigan each year with her two daughters, Sheila and Pat.
Her greatest joys were spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren attending their sports games, having sleep overs and preparing huge meals for the holidays. She gave the best hugs and always prayed for all her children. She will be deeply missed.
Jerre was preceded in death by her loving husband Charles James Ward of 49 years. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters Sheila Wallace (Steve) and Pat Ward Grandsons: Jeremiah Vermeer (RaeAnn), Scott Wallace (Marie) and Michael Wallace(Beth): and her wonderful great grandchildren Rowan Vermeer, Nora Vermeer, Cole Wallace, Evan Wallace and Weston Wallace.
A private burial will be held for family. A Celebration of Life will be held at Judson Baptist Church in Lansing, 531 Glendale on July 24 at 11:00 AM. Family will welcome guest one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Judson Baptist Church in Jerre's name.
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