Alice Jeanette Ward

Alice Jeanette Ward, a beloved lifelong presence in Port St. Joe, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the age of 94. Over the course of her long and meaningful life, she was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cherished friend. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Long Avenue Baptist Church in Port St. Joe. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Miss Alice will be laid to rest privately at Lake Mystic Cemetery in Liberty County, Florida.

Alice was born on April 12, 1932, in Frink, Florida, to William Jesse and Anna Peacock. She was one of eleven children and shared a close and loving bond with her siblings, their spouses, and her many nieces and nephews. She is survived by three sisters: Edna Kimbro; Dannie Bracewell (Joe); and Mildred Hudson. She was preceded in death by her other siblings and their spouses: Lois Stewart (Pete), Agnes Diamond (Luther), Ernest Peacock, James Peacock, J. Walter Peacock (Estelle), William Jesse Peacock, Jr. (Ruth), and Burl Peacock (Judy), as well as brothers-in-law Enzor Kimbro and Ray Hudson.

She graduated from Blountstown High School in 1949 and began her career with St. Joseph Telephone and Telegraph. In 1953, she met the love of her life, Robert Keith Ward, on a blind date arranged by her sister-in-law. They were married on July 16, 1954, in Moultrie, Georgia. In 1958, they made their home in Port St. Joe, where they became devoted members of Long Avenue Baptist Church and later built their home on Marvin Avenue, where they lovingly raised their two daughters.

Alice was a devoted wife and mother whose life centered around her family. After the passing of her husband, Keith, in July 1979—just shy of their 25th wedding anniversary—she remained a steady and loving presence for her daughters, never missing a school or church event and always putting her family first. After dedicating many years to her home, she began working for the St. Joe Company in 1980 and retired in 1995.

Her church family at Long Avenue Baptist Church was one of the greatest joys of her life. Known affectionately as “Miss Alice,” she was a faithful member for nearly seven decades, greeting everyone with a warm smile, a hug, and her signature words, “I love you.”

Alice is survived by her daughters, Ann Thomas (Philip) and Paula McChristian (Jon); grandchildren Rachel Thomas of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Russell Thomas II (Meral) of Albany, Georgia; Ward McChristian (Ashley) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Keith McChristian (Lauren) of Aldie, Virginia; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Emmett and Liam McChristian.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Children’s Ministries Designated Fund at Long Avenue Baptist Church, 1601 Long Avenue, Port St. Joe, FL 32456, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.