Joyce Milbourne Ward, 96, of Crisfield, affectionately known as Mimi, went to be with the Lord on February 18, 2026 from Alice B. Tawes Nursing and Rehab Center where she had been a resident for the past 16 months.

Joyce was born in Crisfield on June 11, 1929 to Edward Merrill and Cynthia Sterling Milbourne. Her husband of 69 years, Richard Calvin Ward, preceded her in death on May 22, 2016. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Jack E. Milbourne.

A graduate of Crisfield High School, she managed the family business of Ward & Briddell Insurance for many years, as well as Joyce Ward Real Estate. Upon the sale of the business, she volunteered for Immanuel Methodist Church food pantry, Janes Island State Park Volunteers, the Crisfield Historical Museum and Lower Somerset Ambulance and Rescue Squad where she was a on the Steering Committee as a Charter/Life Member. Mimi was also a member of the Chesapeake Chapter #28 Order of the Eastern Star, as well as a faithful member of Immanuel Methodist Church.

For over 50 years, she was a member of the neighborhood bridge club, later to become the “Golden Girls”, and the group’s last survivor.

Gardening, her dogs, painting and writing were all passions that Mimi enjoyed, but her pride and joy were her three sons and their families. She lovingly prepared Sunday meals weekly and looked forward to having the whole family gather around her table.

She is survived by her sons, Richard E. Ward, Joseph C. Ward(Sarah,) and Gregory M. Ward(Kristen,) all of Crisfield; five grandchildren, Richard A. Ward(Jessica,) Jennifer G. Ward, Jeremy M. Ward(Colby,) Christopher C. Richardson(Nicole,) and Winter J. Ward; and seven great grandchildren, Autumn, Gage, Jaxon, Piper, Hailey, Noah and Wyatt; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Immanuel United Methodist Church on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2 PM with the Rev. Jim Riley presiding. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the excellent and compassionate care provided by the nurses and staff of Alice B. Tawes Nursing and Rehab.

In lieu of flowers, it was suggested by Mimi to make donations to Immanuel United Methodist Church c/o Robert Bradshaw, 306 W. Main St. Crisfield, MD 21817, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate, or to Samaritans Purse, www.samaritanspurse.com/donate.