Dorothy Jean Ward, lovingly known to family and friends as “Tincy” or “Dot,” entered eternal rest after a life devoted to faith, family, and love. She was born on January 1, 1953, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Clara Mai Winton Wilkerson and Cornelius Wilkerson. She was the youngest of their children.
Dorothy spent her childhood and formative years in the historic Hardscuffle Community of Brentwood, Tennessee (now East Church Street), where she developed the warm spirit and enduring values that would define her life. She attended both Nashville-Davidson County Public Schools and Williamson County Public Schools.
On May 6, 1971, Dorothy married the love of her life, Alvin Eugene Ward, Sr. Together they built a loving home and shared a remarkable marriage spanning more than five decades. Their union was blessed with three children: Renita Mashelle (Michael) Lee, Alvin Eugene (Machelle) Ward, Jr., affectionately known as “Moe,” and Bryan Christopher “Pete” Ward.
Dorothy and Alvin found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. They especially enjoyed taking road trips together and visiting casinos, often with their son, Alvin Jr., behind the wheel. They made their home in the Providence community of Nashville, and later Antioch, where they lovingly raised their family. Throughout her life, Dorothy remained a devoted member of Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church.
Dorothy dedicated many years of service to the restaurant industry, where her strong work ethic and caring nature touched many lives. Before her extended illness, she enjoyed taking peaceful walks. However, nothing brought her greater happiness than preparing meals for those she loved. Her kitchen was a place where family gathered, stories were shared, and love was expressed through every dish she prepared. Spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family was the greatest joy of her life.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her brothers, John Alex Wilkerson and William “Willie” Neal Wilkerson; and her cherished sister, Jessie Mai Wilkerson Smith.
She leaves to treasure her memory and carry forward her legacy of love her devoted husband, Alvin Eugene Ward, Sr.; her loving children, Renita Mashelle (Michael) Lee, Alvin Eugene (Machelle) Ward, Jr., and Bryan Christopher “Pete” Ward; her treasured grandchildren, Antonio Norris, Jr., Markus Norris, Troy Bradley, Jr., Alvin “Trey” Ward III, Jarvis (Jabrinia) Ward, and Jamia Ward; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Alicia Booker and Antonio Norris III.
Dorothy also shared especially close bonds with her cousin, James “Bam” (Dee) Teague, and her niece, Cindy Renee “Nae” (Keith) Gregory.
She will also be deeply missed by a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
Dorothy’s life was a beautiful reflection of unconditional love, unwavering devotion to family and steadfast strength. Though she will be profoundly missed, the memories she created, the love she freely gave, and the legacy she leaves behind will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
Events:
Aug 8
Visitation
Saturday, August 8, 2026
at 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church
5891 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
Aug 8
Service
Saturday, August 8, 2026
at 11:00AM
Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church
5891 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
Final Resting Place
Greenwood – North
1248 Dickerson Road South
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
https://www.gardnermemorialchapelinc.com
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