Lela Jane Murray Ward

Lela Jane Murray Ward, age 93, of Clinton, passed away on Monday, July 30, at the Tennova Hospice Center in Halls.

She was a member of Blowing Springs Baptist Church. Lela was active in WMU and a leader for Girl’s Auxiliary at Blowing Springs Baptist Church. She was also a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.

Lela was preceded in death by her parents, William Edward and Eda Mae Murray; sister, Daisy Sharon; and brothers, Edward, Bryant, and Rufus Murray.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 68 years, William Charles “Bill” Ward Sr.; son, William Charles Jr. and Brenda Ward of Athens, Ala.; daughters; Betty Jane and Johnny Adkins of Sevierville, Mary Ann and Allen Stuart of Essex, Iowa,  Shirley Marie and Jeff Coffman of Maynardville; sisters, Vera Poitevent of Bainbridge, Ga., and Dorothy Aligood of Iron City, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Christine Murray of Bainbridge, Ga., and Corrine Murray of Chattahoochee, Fla.; brother and sister-in-law, DeLeon and Virginia Ward of Baker, FL; grandchildren, Shannon and Peter Osucha of Knoxville, William Charles Ward III and David Ward of Panama City, Fla., Sharon Pallicer and Tonya Pallicer of Athens, Ala., Glen and Dawn Pallicer of Ardmore, Ala., Jeff Stuart of McCook, Neb., Bethany and Nate Moorman and Bristol and Suzanne Stuart of Knoxville, Josh and Brandy Coffman of Blaine, Greg Coffman of Maynardville; and great-grandchildren: Sarah, Rachel, Mary, and Rebecca Osucha; Tyler Rogers; Danny, Heather and Ashley Pallicer; and Sydney and Seth Ward.

Lela is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends including special friends Shane and Whitney Matchette.

Lela’s family received friends Tuesday, July 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton.  Her celebration of life was Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 11 a.m. at Blowing Springs Baptist Church with Rev. David White officiating.  Lela’s interment followed at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Oak Ridge immediately following services.

Jones Mortuary in Clinton was in charge of all arrangements.