Phebe M Ward

Phebe Marguerita Ward, daughter of the late James N. and Frederica W. (Moore) Blackman, was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on January 1, 1923. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, Rev. Clayton M. Ward, Sr., and her daughter, Carolyn (Ward) Greenidge; her brothers: James A. Blackman, Timothy A. Blackman, and David N. Blackman; and her sisters: Daisy Marshall, Dorcas Christy, Enid Blackman, and Iona Morrison. 

Phebe received her elementary and secondary education in the Cambridge Public School system. She graduated from Cambridge High and Latin School (now called Cambridge Rindge and Latin School). Following her graduation from High School, Phebe worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Veteran’s Services, from which she retired in 1989. 

In her teenage years, Phebe gave her life to Christ and worshipped at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Cambridge, MA (now called Abundant Life Church). On April 21, 1942, she married Clayton Ward, Sr., and was a devoted wife until his death in August 2000. From this union five children were born: Carolyn, Frederica, Clayton Jr., Richard, and John. 

Phebe served in ministry with her husband at the Christian Mission Holiness Church of Cambridge, MA, where he was the Pastor for 25 years (1969–1994). She served as one of the church’s musicians, playing the piano and organ and leading the church choir. She also led Saturday morning prayer and Bible study and preached the Word whenever called upon. 

An avid student of the Scriptures, Phebe attended the Bethel Bible Institute of Boston, MA, where she earned a PhD in Theology. She was ordained an Evangelist in the United Pentecostal Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc. (UPCAG), and served as President of the Evangelist Department of the New England District, UPCAG. Phebe enjoyed traveling with the International Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows.

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, after a long and blessed life—101 years(!)—Phebe peacefully transitioned from labor to reward. She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Frederica; three sons: Rev. Clayton Jr., Richard, and John; three daughters-in-law: Angela, Linda, and Janice; seven grandchildren: Donald C. Greenidge (Michelle), Deborah Beckford (Alston), Clayton III (Lynisha), Coleen, Christopher (Carla), Alex, and Rachel; nine great-grandchildren: Anthony (Beth), Tayla, Aleya, Kobe, Mackenzie, Morgan, Jaylin, Addison, and Clayton IV; three great-great-grandchildren: Kaiden, Royal, and Amara; one sister-in-law, Winifred Sisco; one son-in-law, Donald V. Greenidge; nephews, nieces, friends; and her Christian Mission Holiness Church family.

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