Jacqueline B. “Jackie” Ward, a devoted wife, proud mother and grandmother, and successful nurse practitioner, passed away peacefully at age 78 on January 3, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born in Newport News, VA, where she was raised by her late mother and father, Gladys T. and Brandon R. Belote, Sr., as well as her late sister, Barbara J. Foss.
She graduated from Newport News High School in 1963 and married her husband William” Bill” E. Ward, Jr. of 60 years. Jackie began her nursing career following a bookkeeping job in a local doctor’s office. She attended nursing classes at Thomas Nelson Community College, Norfolk State University, and Hampton University, where she earned a Master of Science Degree from the nursing program with qualifications as a Primary Care Ambulatory Nurse Practitioner.
In 2010, she retired from Riverside Regional Medical Center, where she worked as a nurse practitioner most of her life. She eventually joined the staff development team, where she trained new nurses.
Jackie was a proud mother and grandmother who loved sharing stories about the successes of her daughters and grandsons. She was very much a people person who could walk into a room and make everyone smile. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her husband at their Gloucester house and watching the sunsets, walking the river shoreline searching for artifacts, sailing, yoga, kayaking, biking, thrifting, and daily coffee with her dear friend and neighbor, the late Nancy Ford.
In addition to her husband, Jackie is survived by two daughters, Cindy Wright of Harrisonburg, VA, and Kendall Stevens, and her husband, Sean of Suffield, CT, and two grandsons, Chase and Fischer Stevens.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff at The Hidenwood’s Inspiritas Memory Care and Amedisys Hospice. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A visitation will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Peninsula Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow.
20 Comments
Ramona Hercules January 4, 2024 at 11:01 pm
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This is such sad news. Jackie took me under her wing and taught me how to connect with students and colleagues. She was gentle, incredibly smart, and kind to everyone she met. I will miss her laughter and hugs. Much love to Bill, Cindy, and Kendall. She loved her family fiercely.
Dr Amy Harden January 4, 2024 at 11:10 pm
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Jackie was an amazing woman whose smile and personality made you always feel welcomed! She was a great nurse and educator. She will be missed!!!
Christie January 5, 2024 at 12:01 am
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Deepest sympathy to the family. I met Jackie at RRMC. She was an amazing person & I enjoyed being around her. Christie Bradley
Ann Johnson January 5, 2024 at 3:33 pm
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I’m so very sorry Kendall. My heart felt condolences. I’ll be thinking of you and the family.
Evelyn Anderson Sutton January 5, 2024 at 6:02 pm
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Jackie will be missed by all- she never met a stranger! Jackie could make the most serious moments fun! She could would find the best ways to look at a bad situation…and make you agree that you learned something from the incident.
Jackie was a great story teller and keep us all laughing!Melissa Cybulski January 5, 2024 at 11:20 pm
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My heartfelt condolences to Kendall and the entire family. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Ann Graham January 6, 2024 at 12:02 am
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What an amazing soul! I knew Jackie for years as we interfaced at RBHC and always had a welcoming smile. Remember her cruising through the neighborhood in her yellow VW bug. Love to her family 💕
Barbara and Chick Yost January 6, 2024 at 4:08 am
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Jackie was a wonderful person. She could light up a room. I was fortunate to have her as a friend and colleague. Our thoughts and Prayers are with her family.
Chuck and Sharon Printz January 6, 2024 at 10:14 am
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to our dear friend Cindy, and her family during this very difficult time. Psalms 34:18
Gosia Baker January 6, 2024 at 5:19 pm
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Thinking of you and your family Kendall, I am so sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Jury January 6, 2024 at 7:15 pm
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Thinking of you and your family, Kendall. Sending prayers and much love during this difficult time.
Jonathan Robinson January 6, 2024 at 7:21 pm
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I had the pleasure of working with Jackie at Charter Colonial Institute. Our shift (s) were not complete, until Jackie shared an adventure about Bill, Cindy or Kendall – it was obvious she loved her family. Jackie was smart, beautiful and kind. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Sherry Thompson January 6, 2024 at 7:45 pm
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Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Jackie it was a pleasure meeting you hearing you say I love you and caring for you when needed. My deepest sympathies and condolences to Mr. Ward, family and friends 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Heather Goldstein January 6, 2024 at 9:22 pm
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Kendall, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Please give my love to your boys.
Brad Carmines January 7, 2024 at 9:13 pm
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I was very sorry to hear of Jackie’s passing , she was a wonderful person..I was fortunate enough to know her professionally as well as personally and know that she was very passionate about her family, patient care, and walking….. may she rest in peace
Denise Rigby January 7, 2024 at 10:34 pm
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Kendall, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
TOM PITKIN January 8, 2024 at 3:59 pm
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TO BILL, KENDALL, CINDY, AND FAMILY MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO ALL. WHAT A WONDERFUL EULOGY, AND YOU ARE RIGHT SHE DID LIGHT UP A ROOM. PLEASE KNOW YOU REMAIN IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. WITH LOVE, TOM
Sarah Ware January 8, 2024 at 7:56 pm
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It was my pleasure to work with Jackie for a short time at Riverside. She was so pleasant and kind to me. When I think of her, I will always remember her beautiful smile. My prayers are with the family.
Shelley Clare Williamson January 8, 2024 at 11:24 pm
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Jackie was a wonderful, kind, caring person. So sorry to hear of her passing. She loved her family so much and talked of them often. I so enjoyed working with her. Rest in peace Jackie. Prayers and love to her Bill, Cindy, Kendall and family.
Sandy Wason January 10, 2024 at 8:10 am
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Jackie was such a warm, wonderful, smart, caring and loving person. She lit up a room when she entered with her smile and sparkling eyes. Jackie was loads of fun at social gatherings and I’ll always remember her infectious laugh! Beach trips with her whole family will always be treasured! Condolences to Bill, Cindy, Kendall, Sean, Chase and Fischer during this difficult time. ❤️ Sandy
