Guyton – Martha Diane Cribbs Ward, 71, passed away August 10, 2021 at Augusta University Medical Center.

The Chatham County native was a homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother who devoted her life to serving others and taking care of family members.  Her kindness and generosity was known throughout the family.  The welcoming smile and warm embrace will be greatly missed among all.  She was a member of North Salem Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Merle Cribbs; and husband, Joseph Ellis Ward.

Survivors include her children, Elisa Everett (Paul), Cynthia Conover (Chris), Brenda Bolton, and Julie Petermann (Andy); 11 grandchildren, Josh Everett, Bobby Everett, Carrie Everett, Robert Conover, Ryan Conover, Lindsay Bolton, Stephanie Bolton, William Petermann, Austin Petermann, Taylor Petermann, and Jeffery Petermann; 1 great-grandchild, Malcolm Cordy; brothers, Jimmy Cribbs and Billy Cribbs; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2021 at North Salem Baptist Church followed by funeral services at 2 p.m.

Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421