Shirley Ann Ward

Shirley Ward, 91, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026. Shirley lived most of her life in Mathews County, Virginia, before later moving to Gloucester County, where she continued to make her home. Born on December 7, 1934, Shirley lived a life centered around family, love, hard work, and the music she so deeply enjoyed. Shirley married the love of her life, Charles Russell Ward, on September 13, 1954. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, family, music, and many cherished memories. For many years, Shirley devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother and caring for her family.

In December 1989, she began a new chapter in her life when she ventured into the world of real estate and became a Realtor®. Shirley worked alongside her daughter at Liberty Realty in Gloucester, Virginia, where she enjoyed serving her community and helping others find a place to call home. She continued her real estate career for many years before retiring in 2017. Shirley had a special love for music, and it remained an important part of her life throughout the years. Her husband, Charles Russell Ward, and her daughter, Charlene Ward, shared in that same passion for music, and they often played together, creating many cherished musical memories as a family. Those who knew Shirley will remember her love for her family, her strong spirit, and the many memories she created with those closest to her. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Russell Ward; her daughter, Charlene Ward; her father, Standard Payne, Sr.; her mother, Annie Payne; and her siblings, Standard Payne, Randolph Payne, Jack Tucker, Elizabeth Payne Phillips, Gene Payne, and Norma Payne Smith, as well as other loved ones who went before her. 

Shirley leaves behind family members who loved her dearly, including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mathews Riverside LLH & Rehab and Riverside Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and love shown to Shirley during her time there. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort to Shirley and her family and will always be deeply appreciated. Shirley’s life was filled with love, family, music, and service to others. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, immediately followed by a funeral service in the funeral home chapel, with burial to follow at Windsor Gardens Cemetery & Mausoleum, Dutton, Virginia.