Janice Elaine Ward

Smithville, TN resident and Dekalb County, TN native Janice Elaine Ward, age 73, was born August 13, 1952 and died March 16, 2026 at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, TN following an extended illness.

A former employee of NHC in McMinnville, TN and a member of Oak Grove Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Landon C. and Lera Nell Walker Arnold. She was married to Paul Edward Ward on May 14, 1977 who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Marty Arnold; niece, Misty Arnold and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Wilma and Thurman Ward.

Mrs. Ward is survived by children, Ryan Ward of Warren County, TN and Courtney (Gwynn) Newby of McMinnville, TN; grandchild, Kane Newby; sisters, Cathy Mansell of Morrison, TN and Hope Knight of McMinnville, TN; nieces, Heather Newby and Madison Roberts; nephews, Kristian (Tammy) Mansell and Brayden, John and Will Knight; brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Audrey) Ward, Lynn (Lori) Ward, David Ward, Tim Ward and Jim Ward; sisters-in-law, Brenda Henderson, Martha Braswell, Linda (Tommy) Thompson and Janice Ward; several great-nieces and great-nephews and fur baby, Bella Grace.

Per Mrs. Ward’s wishes, she will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.