Gayle Lawson Ward, 72, of Crisfield, passed away at TidalHealth McCready Pavilion on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Born in Crisfield on December 27, 1953, she was the daughter of the late George and Addie M. McGrath Lawson.

Gayle was a graduate of Crisfield High School, Class of 1971. Throughout the years, she worked at the former Em-Par Flower Shop, was secretary for Richard Cantwell Mason Contracting, and most recently retired from the MD Motor Vehicle Administration where she was employed for 20 years.

Gayle loved Christmas and decorating, making it her favorite holiday. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her family and especially enjoyed doting on her grandsons.

She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Wayne Hudson Ward of Crisfield; grandchildren, Austin Ward and Connor Ward of Marion Station; sister, Anne Lawson Ward and her husband, Eugene T. “Gene” Ward, of Crisfield; brothers, George Lawson and his wife, Debbie, of Salisbury, and Jeff Lawson of New York; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Ward of Marion Station; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, Gayle was preceded in death by her son, Chad Wayne Ward, on February 13, 2025; and a sister, Mary Ellen Lawson.

Funeral services will be held at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Bob Daniels will officiate, and interment will follow at Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gayle’s memory may be made to Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad (LSCARS), P.O. Box 406, Crisfield, MD 21817.