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With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Blanche Davis Ward, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend. Blanche passed away peacefully at Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrance, Florida surrounded by family who loved her deeply. On June 7, 1939, Lucius and Luvon Davis parents brought Blanche into this world at St. Joseph Hospital in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. In 1962, she married the love of her life, Franklin R. Ward in Edenborn, Pennsylvania. Together, Blanche and Franklin built a beautiful life, raising four children - three sons and one daughter - and later welcoming three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren into their ever-growing circle of love. Life with Franklin brought many adventures. Starting in Vicenza, Italy, Landover, Maryland, Colorado Springs and in 1979 moved to Brussels, Belgium, embracing new cultures and friendships. They later lived in Frankfurt, Germany before planting roots in Plant City, Florida in 1998 where Blanche became a beloved part of the community. In addition to her role as a military spouse, Blanche served her country with professionalism, integrity, and resilience as a civilian senior secretary at NATO reporting to four-star General Colin Powell and received recognition from fourstar General Barry McCaffrey while supporting the US Delegation. Blanche was a woman of grace, faith, and strength. She was the heart of her family, creating a home where everyone felt safe, welcomed, and loved. Her joy came from simple moments: time spent with family, laughter around the kitchen and the milestones of her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom and unconditional love that will continue to guide her family for generations. Blanche is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Franklin, who preceded her in death in 2004. She is survived by her four children (Roger Ward, Jeff Ward, Nadia Ward DeMeulenaere and Michael Ward), three grandchildren, Alexis Ross, Chandler Hutcherson and Zachary Ward), and four great-grandchildren (Zariya, Xavier, Sage and Iyren Ross), all of whom carry her light forward. Her life will be celebrated with a service at Haught Funeral Home then at Florida National cemetery at the grave site where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable woman whose love shaped so many lives
Friends and family will be received on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10:00 AM to11:00 AM at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563.
A funeral service at 11:00 AM.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300