Michael L. Ward

LIFE JOURNEY OF MICHAEL L. WARD Michael was born on October 17, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio to Sylvester and Annie L. Ward, both preceding him in death. He was the youngest of twelve siblings. Preceding him in death were eight of them; Willie Lu, Henrietta, Josephine, Sylvester, Leonard, Andrew, Joyce, and Alvin. Michael was formally educated in Cleveland Public Schools, graduating from Glenville High School in 1971. He enrolled at the University of Akron in 1980 and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Upon receipt of his accounting degree, he put his skills to work for several companies the last being Trans Ohio Bank. He would later work for and retire from the Internal Revenue Service as after 12 years of service. Michael met his wife Denise Fields while she regularly attended services at Pilgrim on Mother's Day where her mother was a member. They would later join in matrimony on June 27, 1987. To this union they would eventually welcome their only begotten son, Ashen Michael. Michael accepted Christ at the tender age of nine being baptized in Jesus name in April 1960 and later filled with the Holy Spirit on November 10, 1960. Michael spent his entire life at Pilgrim Church of Christ, he became a faithful member at an early age. Michael had a special love and talent for music, especially singing and playing the piano. Although he never took theory or learned to read music, this did not hinder him. Accompanying, directing or singing under the anointing for a number of choirs and ensembles. Michael served long term as the director and musician for the Pastor's Choir and was known for his rich melodic voice. Michael was a faithful worker in the church, serving in many positions throughout his tenure. He served state wide State of Ohio Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Sunday School Department in many capacities as well as in the A.B.Y.P.U. In addition to serving in these two auxiliaries, he also served at his church Pilgrim Church of Christ. Michael received his call from the Lord while a student at the University of Akron. Conflicted at first, he succumbed to God's authority and resolved himself to do just that: teach the gospel. He accepted the call and would later be ordained an elder in Baltimore, Maryland in August 1991 at the COOLJC Convention. Michael would later accept the appointment of Assistant Pastor at Pilgrim. Michael loved to garden. He spent many hours meticulously attending his garden and beautifying his yard, until his health would no longer allow. Michael exhibited this same meticulous care in his dress and "fashion sense". Known for his "quintessential" head to toe sharp dress, he was definitely a distinguished gentleman. Michael's assignment of service and "season" of sickness would come to a close as he quietly transitioned from earth to glory in late evening on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 9:35 PM at Ahuja Medical Center. He leaves to celebrate his life his wife Denise; his only son, Ashen Michael and daughter in-law, Anita; grandchildren, Ashen Jr. and Alivia; two sisters, Janice Ward and Irene Morgan and one brother, James Ward all of Cleveland, Ohio; his senior cousin, Mary "Maebelle" Warren; mother in-law, Elizabeth Fields and grandmother (in-law), Jeanette Bellamy; sisters in-law, Pamela Fields, Regina Wagner (Derrick) and Schanida Fields; brothers in-law Lamont Fields (Melissa) and Donnelle Fields; four godchildren, Wendy Harris, Brianne Bryant, Kiley Wilson and Lauren McCarthy; a host of beloved nieces and nephews, relatives, friends and a loyal Pilgrim church family.