Elsie Ward's Obituary
Elsie Ward of Germantown, TN died amongst her family on November 26 after an extended illness. She was born on August 1, 1944 in Flint, MI to Houston and Gladys Griggry. She was the eldest of three children including Curtis Griggry (deceased) and Michele Burnett. Little did she know that when she asked her neighbor, Jack Ward, for a ride to class at the University of Michigan, that she would be meeting the love of her life. They celebrated 52 years of marriage this past May. After graduating from the university, which she attended on a scholastic scholarship, Elsie became a high school history teacher, which probably led to her love of reading. She continued teaching until she became a mother to two sons.After living in northern and southern California, Jack was transferred with International Paper to Memphis in 1987. Elsie was an active member in her new community, making friends in many activities over her 30 years here, including her membership with the local chapter of her lifelong sorority. Elsie joined Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority in 1953 and was given Golden Circle ritual in 2013 for her 50 years of continued service.In Memphis, Elsie decided to embark on a new career as a real estate agent. She began working for Crye-Leike in 1996 and obtained her broker’s license in 2003. During her career, she earned multiple designations including ABR, CRS, GRI, CPPS, and a Relocation Specialist for the Memphis area. Her long career included involvement in the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS where she was a member of multiple committees including Education, Awards, Scholarships, Nominating, Member Services and RPAC often serving as chair or co-chair. She is a past Trustee of Eduction for MAAR. Elsie is a Life Member of the Multi-million Dollar Club having served on its board of directors and as president in 2008. She achieved Crye-Leike’s highest honor of Circle of Excellence in 2001 and currently holds the title of vice-president.Elsie has a deep love of family, friends, food, and especially of her four grandchildren. For their 50th Anniversary celebration, Jack and Elsie celebrated with a Disney Cruise that created lasting memories for the entire family. She was always the consummate host, using her gourmet cooking skills to demonstrate her love for the many relationships she formed over the course of her life. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and will be remembered fondly by the many family, friends and work associates whose lives she touched and will miss her greatly.She is survived by her husband, Jack; two sons, Philip (Claudia) and Curtis (Ginny); four beautiful grandchildren, Taylor, Jack, Caroline and Jacob; her mother, Gladys Griggry and her sister, Michele Burnett (Craig).A Celebration of Life service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar on Thursday, November, 30, 2017 at 7 p.m. with visitation beginning at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
What’s your fondest memory of Elsie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elsie?
Share a story where Elsie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elsie you’ll never forget.
How did Elsie make you smile?