John Anthony Ward, Sr.

John Anthony Ward, Sr., known to many as “Tony”, was born to the late James Ward and Catherine Lee on April 27, 1961 in Washington, DC.   During his childhood he attended New Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church of Christ.  In 2002, he joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Terry D. Streeter.

John enlisted in the Navy immediately after high school to serve his Country and see the world.  He was part of the crash and salvage crew on the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier from 1979 until his Honorable Discharge in 1985.  From 1985 – 2002, John was a local truck driver where he made lifelong friends.  His driving and handyman skills were taught to him by his beloved stepfather, Bennie Oliphant.  In 2003, he made a career change and became a certified network computer technician.

After a 3-year courtship, John married Rochelle Rollins in 1998 on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.  Their commitment to each other was deeply felt and evergreen. Together they encouraged their sons, Tony Jr. and Brandon to travel and be open to new experiences.   John coached Tony Jr’s YMCA basketball team and attended as many band concerts and marching band parades as possible.  He also helped Rochelle research water destinations for the Rollins’ family reunions in St. Michaels (MD), Cape May (NJ), and Outer Banks (NC).

John loved buying, fixing up, and driving cars and trucks.  His family never knew when a new vehicle would appear in their driveway.  His favorite cars included a blue and white 1955 Chevy Bel Air and a 1980 El Camino which he rebuilt with his friends.  Other cherished activities included listening to a wide range of music, watching space flights, visiting his parent’s home in Aiken, South Carolina, and expressing his love for the Oakland Raiders football team.

Over a 20-year period John was a foster parent to 10 children (ages 6 – 18 years old) from numerous racial and ethnic backgrounds.  He also volunteered as a weekly driver for the Colesville Meals on Wheels for over a decade.  

John was a giving man who enjoyed talking to his elders, playing with his dogs and cats, and cooking delicious dinners for his family.  He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Dr. Rochelle Rollins; sons John “Tony” Ward, Jr., Brandon Rollins (Chanelle); grandson, Jaylen Rollins; sisters Leslie Ward, Nicole “Cotton” Ward; in-laws Dr. Verdise Rollins and Dr. Iris Jeffries-Morton; aunts Annie Lee, Minnie Mitchell, Floraine King; uncle Charlie D. Lee; and a host of loving cousins, nieces, a nephew, other family, and friends.   

Celebration of Life Service

Friday, March 4, 2022

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

215 Rhode Island Ave  Washington, DC  20001

Visitation:  10:00 - 11:00 AM

Service:  11:00 AM

Condolences may be expressed on the above Tribute Wall

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