Obituary of Francis Crisp Ward

"Robert" Francis "Freddie" Ward, née Crisp, passed away peacefully at her home on February 27, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of 97. Born on December 19, 1927, in Baltimore, Francis dedicated her life to education and service. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Morgan State College in 1949. Francis first met John Ward at the US Post Office, where she worked as a college student. She encouraged John to attend college. He enrolled and graduated from Morgan State with a degree in History and Geography. Francis worked for the Department of Welfare before becoming a teacher. Her passion for learning and literacy led her to a distinguished career as a school librarian and she obtained a Library Science Certification from Westminster College. From October 1962 until her retirement in June 1989, she served at several schools, including Mosher Elementary #144, Coppin Elementary #132, Cherry Hill Elementary #159, Gilmore Elementary #107, Hampstead Hill Elementary #47, and Lombard Middle School #57. Through her work, she nurtured generations of students with knowledge and a love for reading. Francis was a devoted member of the Church of the Holy Trinity for over 70 years. Her faith was an integral part of her life and guided her in all that she did. She was also an active member of the Modern Grannie's (the MG.'s), a group that focuses on grandchildren and fostering joy and camaraderie among its members. John and Francis travelled extensively by air and sea. They spent time in Europe, South America and the Caribbean. They considered Bermuda their "second home." Francis also enjoyed going to East Coast casinos with friends and church groups, where she particularly delighted in playing the slots. Her Saturdays were often marked by a martini or a cold glass of Chardonnay—simple pleasures she cherished. A true sports enthusiast, Francis had an impressive understanding of professional sports and was an avid supporter of the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Colts. Like her father before her, she held a special fondness for horses and horse racing. Francis was affectionately known by many names—Mom, Ma, Nahnee, Nanster, Goomie, Frankie, Freddie—and to her nieces and nephews as Aunt "Fruddie." She will be remembered as a devoted wife to her late husband John S. Ward; a loving mother to Deborah L. Gray and Jo-Ann Pulley, a cherished grandmother to Syreeta Drabo (Hussein Drabo), Ri-Ann Pully (Janai Pully), Jahi Jelani, and Swayne Pully-Raynor (Fatoumata); and a very proud great-grandmother to Nouailah Francis Sandou Drabo and Yahya Pully-Raynor. She also leaves behind a very special son-in-law Richard Pully (along with her extended Bermuda family) and beloved nephews, nieces, dear friends and dearest neighbors, too numerous to mention, who will miss her warmth and wisdom. She was predeceased by her parents Thomas Crisp and Willie (Fuller) Crisp; her siblings John Crisp (Beverley), William "Bill" Crisp (Doris), and sister "Jimmie Mae" Crisp, (Alphonso Brown); as well as her beloved husband John S. Ward. Francis "Freddie" Ward lived a life full of love, laughter, adventure, and dedication to those around her. Francis's legacy of love and dedication to family and education will live on in the hearts of those who know her. May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing. On Thursday, March 13, 2025, a memorial celebration for Mrs. Francis & Mr. John Ward will be held at Church Of The Holy Trinity, 2300 W. Lafayette Avenue Baltimore, MD 21216, where the family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with services to follow.