Ada Mitchell Ward went home to be with the Lord Jesus, her Savior, on December 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of God and the loving attention of her family. Her ninety-seven years were full of love and beauty, even in the midst of suffering.

Ada was born on September 3, 1928, to Mr. Macklin and Ada Mitchell. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Donald H. Ward; her parents; her siblings and their spouses; and her beloved son-in-law, Donald Coccoli. She was the last of her generation in her family.

She is survived by her children Beverly Bowser (Col. Allen), Carol Coccoli (Don, deceased), and Don Ward (Caron); her grandchildren Kristin Webster (Jared), Shannon Caston (Cameron), David Coccoli (Jillian), Sarah Bickings (Brent), Daniel Coccoli (Pamela), Emily Massengill (Drew), and Anna Ward; and thirteen great-grandchildren (so far!), each one dearly loved.

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she will always be remembered as "Nannie." She was beloved by all of them because she loved them so completely. Granddaughters Kristin and Sarah were at her side as she was ushered into the arms of Jesus, allowing other exhausted family members to rest. She left this earth to the hymn "I'll Fly Away," after being surrounded by Scripture, songs, prayers, and love.

Ada was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Hampton, Virginia, and later for many years at KirkWood Presbyterian Church of Yorktown. Love and service marked her days. In her active years she moved toward the sorrows of others without waiting to be asked. She showed the love of Christ with the oven, the mop and broom, a listening ear, or any act of kindness she could find. Even as dementia affected her, in her final months she was still asking, "What can I do for you?"

The family is grateful to Riverside Hospice, helper Anya and the compassionate staff of The Hidenwood Retirement Community. Special thanks to Dee Dee, who kept Mom laughing and blessed all of Ada's visitors.

A memorial service will be held at KirkWood Presbyterian Church, York County, at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to

Equipping Leaders International – Annual Fund  (https://donorbox.org/eli-annual-fund)

or

Peninsula Rescue Mission  (https://prm.info).