Minister Norvelle Ward

Minister Norvelle N. Ward, age 59, of Troy, Alabama, entered eternal rest, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, following an extended illness. A private service for family and church members will be held Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Lifeway Ministries Church (Troy Campus) with Pastor E. Lamont Herrington officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Lifeway Ministries and Minister Ward’s nephews. A public visitation will be held Monday, April 26, 2021, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Minister Ward was born and raised in the Irvington Community, just outside of Mobile, Alabama. At Alba High School, he was an all-star athlete and spirited Shark, lettering in the big three, and was a stellar student holding offices with the SGA and representing Boy’s State. Upon graduation, he made his way to Troy State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1984 in business management and economics. A degree was not the only thing he gained while at the university. In October 1981, Minister Ward came to the Lord and was filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus’ name. He was a dedicated disciple serving as a charter member of the Troy State University Gospel Choir and as a member of the Troy State University Apostolic Campus Ministry. In 1983, while still in college, he married his friend Jane. Together they grew in love, as a family, and deeply in their faith. Minister Ward was a loyal parishioner, fulfilling numerous positions in the church, to name a few: praise leader, soloist, drummer, minister, pastor’s assistant, and Sunday school teacher. The church men participated in a church basketball league through the City of Troy, though at a time when they all may have been a little younger and with more hair. Minister Ward was truly a good and faithful servant.

Minister Ward is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jane Russell Ward; sons, Antony Darius Ward, Ryan D’Lon Ward, and Marlon Jarrell Ward; grandchildren, Bryson Terrell Ward, Javion Anthony Andrews, and Josiah Braylon Andrews; mother, Iola Ward; sisters, Sylvia Ward Allen, Hilda Ward Hoskins, Marilynn Ward Royal, and Kaffy Griffin; brothers, Christopher Ward and Kevin Neville Ward (Ruby); sisters-in-law, Patrice Carpenter, Brenda Malloy (Michael), and Rosslyn Russell; brothers-in-law, Johnny Banks, George (Christine) Russell, and Michael (Cynthia) Russell; godchildren, Joyia Porter Brooks (Keonn) and Natalie Elyce Wheeler; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and daughters of love, Janita Townsend-Hooten and Amber Nicole Andrews. He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Lee Ward; sisters, Yvonne Ward Banks, Patricia Ward, and Lucille Griffin Wright; brothers, Archie Samuel Ward and Cleveland Ward; sister-in-law, Bernida Parker Ward; and godson, Timothy “Teddy” Porter.

The family wishes to extend many thanks to the staff of Fresenius Kidney Care of Union Springs for their compassionate care and continued support. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made in his honor to Sav-A-Life Troy, Inc. (PO Box 852, Troy, AL 36081). Friends and family can sign the guestbook online at www.greenhillsfuneralhome.net. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ward family.