Ann (Gossett) Ward

Margaret Ann Gossett Ward
October 1, 1946 – May 31, 2026

Margaret Ann Ward, known simply as Ann to those who loved her, was born on October 1, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Melvin and Margaret Gossett. Raised in the Candler Park neighborhood, she enjoyed a happy childhood shaped by the devotion of her mother and the service of her father, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

A proud 1964 graduate of the iconic William A. Bass High School, Ann treasured her lifelong friendships and faithfully attended class reunions for decades. In 1968, she married Joe Ward and made her home in Madison, Georgia, where together they raised three children and built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

Ann was a devoted member of Madison Baptist Church for many years, teaching five-year-old Sunday school for more than two decades and singing in the choir. In later years, she became active at Madison Christian Church, where she lovingly served grieving families through the church’s meal ministry.

Family was Ann’s greatest joy. She loved gathering with relatives for Sunday lunches, holidays, and days spent at Lake Sinclair. Her grandchildren, Joseph, Lauren, and Samantha, held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in celebrating their lives and accomplishments. An excellent cook, she shared her love of the kitchen with her family and friends. Ann never met a stranger. Whether while shopping in Ingles, attending Madison Primetimers gatherings, or serving through her church, she built friendships wherever she went. She loved her family, her church, her friends, and the small town she called home with a generous heart and an unwavering spirit of kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Margaret Gossett, and her husband of 40 years, Joe Ward.

She is survived by her daughter, Amie Ward Cumming of Madison; her sons, Darrell Ward (Wendy) of Watkinsville and Brian Ward (Allison) of Social Circle; her grandchildren, Joseph Cumming (Amberly), Lauren Cumming Hay (Sam), and Samantha Ward Cole (Logan); her cherished great-grandson, Wyatt; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 3, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of A.E. Carter Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Madison City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Madison Christian Church or to the Madison Masonic Lodge #376 designated to the Joe Ward Read to Ride Fund in Ann's memory.

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