Marlene Gray Ward, 91, of Crisfield, Maryland, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, October 13, 2025, at BayCare Assisted Living in Salisbury, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late Alonza Gray and Alverta Fields Gray, born May 16, 1934, in Washington D.C.
Marlene graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in 1952. She answered the recruiters’ call to fill the need for African American teachers and graduated from Bowie State Teachers College in 1956. A few weeks after graduating, she married the love of her life, Anthony E. Ward, on June 9, 1956. Marlene began her teaching career in the fall of 1956, where she steadfastly remained an elementary school teacher in Somerset County for 37 years.
Marlene loved the Lord and was committed to serving Him. She was a lifelong and devoted member of Shiloh United Methodist Church where she served as pianist for the Shiloh Youth Choir for over thirty years. Marlene spent countless hours at her piano at home, practicing traditional hymns and learning contemporary gospel songs to introduce to the choir. She brought her faith in God, her love of music and her heart for children to the youth of Shiloh. There are generations who fondly remember Thursday night rehearsals at Shiloh, led by “Miss Marlene” and “Miss Mary”, learning new songs and harmonies, with “Miss Margo” listening in for approval.
Marlene was an avid reader. She enjoyed her Bible studies and literature of all kinds. For many years, she maintained encyclopedias and educational resources in her home, available to neighborhood students at their request. She enjoyed classic movies, musicals, and her soap opera “stories”. She was quiet and humble in spirit but was known for her inquisitive and sharp mind. Marlene was the one to call if family or friends wanted information on just about any subject. If it wasn’t in her head, she would find it in a book.
While her husband Anthony was well known for his civil rights activism, Marlene did her part. Most memorably, as an educator, she successfully advocated for the promotion of a class of African American children who faced repeating first grade upon integration. These were children she knew from her community, transitioning from Carter G. Woodson to School #3. She became the voice, insisting they be properly promoted to second grade according to their capability.
Throughout her life, Marlene was dedicated to serving the Crisfield and Somerset County communities as an educator and helpmate to her husband Anthony. Alongside him, their first funeral home was founded in 1960 in their hometown of Crisfield, with a second location established in 1989, in Princess Anne, Maryland. Serving families in their time of bereavement was their heartfelt, lifelong mission. The families they served throughout the close-knit community were genuinely like family to them. Their legacy continues to this day.
Marlene spent her recent years at BayCare Assisted Living where she was a known favorite. The staff and residents, under the direction of Ebony Smith, were instrumental in providing loving care and support.
Marlene leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Hope Ward Austin; two sons, Anthony E. Ward Jr. (Denean) and Leon E. Ward, Sr. (Alisha); eight grandchildren, Whitney Austin, Paige Austin-Dudley (Carl), Le’Niya Ward, Jaina Taylor (Lorenzo), Chasely Ward, Anthony E. Ward III, Leah Ward, and Leon E. Ward, Jr.; three great grandchildren, Skylar Mays, Lemier Ewell and Bryce Edmond. In addition, she is survived by her devoted childhood friend and sister-in-law, Sylvia Ward (Howard); sister-in-law, Jean Pittman-Gray; dedicated family friend, Doug Sample, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her mother and father in-law, Leon Eldridge Ward and Dorothy Hearn Ward; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Boston-Ward; brother, Lyle Walton Gray and her beloved husband of 56 years, Anthony E. Ward, Sr.
A funeral service will be held 12 noon Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St. James United Methodist Church, 8730 Crisfield Highway, Westover, Maryland with a viewing one-hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6:00 PM-8:00PM Friday, October 24, 2025, at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 109 N. Fourth Street, Crisfield, Maryland.
Interment will be at Hopewell Cemetery in Crisfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to:
Shiloh United Methodist Church, PO Box 347, Crisfield, Maryland 21817 or Zelle at (443) 513-6553. Or to: It Takes a Village to Help Our Children, Inc., Building Capital Fund, 943 West Main Street, Crisfield, Maryland 21817 or donate online at itav2hoc.org
43 Responses
To The Ward Family💐 My Deepest Condolences 🙏🏽❤️ May God Strengthen/Comfort You All Through This Difficult Time🥰
My Aunt Marlene’s presence in this world will truly be missed. This Woman of God lived her life by prioritizing God’s Work, being a helpmate to her husband when both were here, an awesome mom to her children, a mentor to other family and a community member whose contributions and presence were felt by all. I will miss you deeply Aunt Marlene. Thanks for the contributions that you made to my life over the many years. Rest well Auntie….until I see you again. Dawn Outen James
In celebration of the illustrious, iconic and spiritual life of Marlene, we extend our sincere prayers and condolences. We will always treasure the times spent at school, and at church. May God grant peace and comfort during this period of grief. Rest in peace.
George, Lloyd, and Samuel Ward
To Bro. Anthony, Jr., the family and staff of the Anthony E. Ward, Jr, Funeral Home my sincere condolences and my prayers are with you during this time of bereavement. May all of you find comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the arms of Jesus. May God bless and keep you is always my prayer.
So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Cherish the memories and Miss Marlene will always be with you. Sleep on in heavenly peace.
To Anthony and family sorry for the lost of your mother she was a wonderful sweet lady my God give you strength during your time of sorry
With a heavy heart, I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Ward family, which I feel a part of. Ms Marlene was such a pleasant and steadfast staple in the family. She was a lovely person who always brought a smile to your face. I will truly miss her.I pray that God will continue to strengthen you family, and give you His Peace 🕊️🙏🏽❤️
To Hope,Tony, Leon and family sending my condolences.May the memories of Ms.Marlene comfort and bring peace during this difficult time. R.I.P
My deepest sympathy and Condolences and Prayers to the family. She was my best Teacher and a very loving woman. ❤️
I was one of her students back in the sixties, and that she fought for when Carter G. Woodson was integrated and all of us 1st graders had to migrate to the white school number #3 on the highway in crisfield. She knew it was discrimination,i njusticetance, unfair, and so very wrong, in the worst way. But she fought for children that were not hers by birth, and didn’t have parents who could advocate & fight for them. Because of education, knowledge, skills, financial, whatever resources they didn’t have or need. It never mattered to Miss Malene, her love for children, community, justice, fairness, civil rights, liberties, equality, and a strong faith, was there when I was 5yrs. old, and I’m 65yrs old now. And that never wavered from her life’s work, even after retirement. What an amazing legacy to leave behind for us all to strive to adhere to become. Rest in Peace, not only Hope, Toni, and Leon’s mom, but a mother to us all who was, born, lived, raised in Crisfield, and started our education at Carter G. Woodson
To Cousins Tony, Hope, Leon and All the Ward Family, May God Cover and Hold You Tight as you go through this Most Difficult Time. Cousin Marlene was a Phenomenal Woman who left a legacy of Honesty and Love. R.I.P.
Philadelphia Cousins Butch, Peaches and Plum
To be Absent from the body is to be present with the lord, May her soul rest with god, May god give the family and friends the strength and healing that only he can, we never get over the loss of our love one , we just learn to live with it.
To The Ward Family,
As a child, Miss Marlene was someone that I looked up to and admired. She was soft-spoken, yet firm, highly intelligent but never boastful, beautiful, and so very humble and kind. May God grant you peace and strength as you honor a woman whose legacy will last for generations.
With Sisterly Love, Anita Maddox Jackson
Sending prayers and condolences to the entire Ward Family from the Redding Family. We’ll understand it better bye and bye.
Condolences to the Ward Family. Keep your memories close. Your parents will always be with you all! R.I.P. Mrs. Marlene it is now your time to take your heavenly rest. You have gain your wings!
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mom Marlene. Hope she is in a good place and you helped with her as much as you could. May God grant peace and comfort during this time. I’m sending you my prayers and condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Mr. Ward… May the peace of God be with you and your family at this diffcult time. You are in our prayers, and know that your mother is always with you all in spirit. Mrs. Ward ws truly one who made a diffedrence. Sending you love, peace and light.
To Tony, Hope and Leon my deepest sympathy. Ms. Marlene will truly be missed. May her memory bring you peace.
Sending prayers and condolences to the Ward family Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Sending prayers and comfort to the Ward family as you mourn the loss of your beautiful mother. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
To the entire family of Marlene Ward. I’m sorry for your loss of cousin Marlene and im sending you my prayers and condolences to you all and the entire family. Cousin Tony I’m keeping you and the family in prayers during this difficult time and sadden loss of your mom cousin Marlene. She will be sadly missed by everyone. I’m going to continue to pray for you Ward family. May God continue to heal you and strengthen you and uplift you during this time of sadness and grievement R.I.P. cousin Marlene Ward.
My thoughts and prayers to the Ward Family. I pray that GOD gives each of you strength and comfort during this difficult time! Tony, Leon and Hope Heaven gained another Angel and I can’t imagine the hurt and pain you’re experiencing with the loss of your Mother!
My sincerest condolences to Tony and Leon and their sister and the family. May the Lord be your strength in this difficult time. 🙏🏽✝️
My deepest sympathy 🙏🙏
You will be truly missed, teaching us in church and choir rehearsal ( running up them stairs to your house when Anthony had funeral home right inside the house) being scared 😘😂so many memories, you will be missed, prayers for the family💕🙏🏾🙏🏾
Hope,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that I am keeping you and your family, in my prayers.
Anthony and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
My heartfelt condolences are extended to the family. May God’s love comfort you throughout this time.
Deepest condolences to Hope, Tony and Leon. Sending hugs and prayers to each of you and the entire family! So many fond memories of both your dad and your mom♥️♥️praying for you all in this season of grieve. Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. -1 Thessalonians 4:13
Pastor Frank, Shellie Whittington-Jones & Akisha Martina Jones♥️🙏🏾🌹
I was one of her students back in the sixties, and that she fought for when Woodson was integrated and all of us 1st graders had to migrate from Woodson to the white school number #3 on the highway in crisfield. She knew it was discrimination, injusticetance, unfair, and so very wrong in the worst way. But she fought for children that were not hers by birth, and didn’t have parents who could advocate & fight for them. Because of education, knowledge, skills, finances, whatever the resources they didn’t have and couldn’t afford. It never mattered to Miss Marlene her love for children, community, justice, fairness, civil rights, liberties, equality was there an in action when I was 5yrs. old , and I’m 65 yrs old now. And that never wavered from her lifes work even after retirement. What an amazing legacy to leave behind for us all to strive to adhere to become. Rest in Peace , not only Hope, Toni, and Leon’s mom but a mother to us all who lived, born raised in Crisfield, and started our education at Carter G. Woodson.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the family the sweetest lady I remember my mother working for her in her home those where the good days 🙏🙏🙏❤️
To The Ward Family: I want to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Miss Marlene. She touched so many lives and will be deeply missed. I was one of the African American students she advocated for when we transitioned to #3 Elementary and was put in my right grade. None of us ever forgot her support and strength. We will always remember her.
May she rest in peace.
Tony and family, Miss Marlene was truly a treasure on earth. Because she touched so many lives, Miss Marlene will stay in our hearts. You have my deepest condolences and may God lift and carry you through. Be blessed!
My sincere condolences. 🙏🏾
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. May God rest her soul.
To Hope and the Ward family. Please accept my most sincere condolences as you mourn the loss of your mom. God bless you all.
With Love, June Bryant
Hope, Tony, Leon and the rest of your family from my Family our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom. Gods grace to you all during this difficult time. Praying that the tears turn into fond memories.
Sending prayers and condolences to Anthony and the entire Ward Family. May you find strength in the love and support of those around you. When your loved ones become a memory, your memories become a treasure.
With Heartfelt Sympathy
I was one of her students back in the sixties, and that she fought for when Carter G. Woodson was integrated and all of us 1st graders had to migrate to the white school number #3 on the highway in crisfield. She fought for children that were not hers by birth, and didn’t have parents who could advocate & fight for them. Because of education, knowledge, skills, financial, whatever resources they didn’t have or need. It never mattered to Miss Malene, her love for children, community, justice, fairness, civil rights, liberties, equality, and a strong faith, was there when I was 5yrs. old, and I’m 65yrs old now. And that never wavered from her life’s work, even after retirement. What an amazing legacy to leave behind for us all to strive to adhere to become. Rest in Peace, not only Hope, Toni, and Leon’s mom, but a mother to us all who was, born, lived, raised in Crisfield, and started our education at Carter G. Woodson
From my family to yours, we are truly sorry for the loss of your Mother. Words cannot express how grateful we have been over the years for the kindness and generosity extended to us by you, your Mom and your Dad. Be strong.. we send heartfelt prayers out to you and your family, asking that your hearts and minds are eased as you do all you possibly can to be there for each other through this difficult time. God Bless you and all of those you love…
Hope & Family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I thought the world of your mom, she was my teacher in elementary school. She set a wonderful example. Later in life she, along with others from Shiloh, just loved my dad, Ralph Justice and would invite him to come speak. When he did the hand bell choir would come and play and oh how she loved the music we played. She would tell me, ” I could listen to you play all night! Sounds like Heavens bells are ringing.”
Please know you will be in my prayers today & in the days ahead.
Donna
Soror Hope,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your hearts are heavy; however, know that there’s a loving God watching over you all throughout this trying time. Your mom positively impacted people throughout her life. God blessed her with longevity! You all can rejoice in knowing that her Life mattered, her Legacy will live on and she is now free and at peace with the Lord.
Soror, you know I’m here for you. 🩷💚
With Sisterly Love,
Soror Robin Alston France
Tony and Leon and family,
My deepest condolences for your loss!
Miss Marlene was a wonderful and very smart woman. I remember cases I’d have and had to bring the reports and Polaroids and i would personally leave that big Manila envelope open so she could proof read it for me. If something she thought wasn’t right or my grammar wasn’t spot on, she would call and have me come back and fix it. I truly appreciated her for the little things !! I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this time ! Clay