Diana Denise Ward, 71, of Sanford, Florida, was born on January 22, 1955, in Ashford, Alabama, to the late Lucille Perry Hayes and John Bunyon Smith. She entered eternal rest on February 27, 2026. She graduated from Ashton High School; she earned her associate’s degree from Essex County College and went on to dedicate 25 years of service to the state of New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities until her retirement.
She was a member of Allen Chapel AME Church where she served as a stewardess and choir member. She was a member of the Pearly Mae Ford Foundation.
Diane leaves to cherish her precious memories: her devoted husband of 51 years, Johnnie Ward of Sanford, Florida; her children, Darrell Hayes-Ward (Sanford, Florida), Lucille (Jamal) Gary (East Orange, New Jersey), Dwayne (Danielle) Hayes-Ward (Irvington, New Jersey), and Olivia Hayes (Sanford, Florida); her siblings, Eddie (Evelyn) Hayes (Webb, Alabama), Quencie Hayes (Ashford, Alabama), and Mary Ramey (Newark, New Jersey); her cherished grandchildren LeAndre Hayes-Ward, Laija Hayes-Ward, Darrielle Hayes-Ward, Tanaija Springer, Diarra Hayes-Ward, Jaxson Hayes-Ward, Mason Gary, and Emari Hayes-Ward; and her two beautiful great-grandchildren, Layla Simon and Dior Cosme; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Allen Chapel AME Church., 1203 S Olive Ave., Sanford, FL. Visitation is Saturday March 12026,026 from 10:00 AM until service time. Allen Chapel AME Church, Sanford, FL. Internment Rest lawn Cemetery, Sanford, Florida. Final arrangements are entrusted to A.C. WYNN FUNERAL SERVICES, INC. (321) 363-3685
