Janice Elaine Ward, 73

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

A former employee of NHC in McMinnville 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 in-laws, Wilma and Thurman Ward.

Mrs. Ward is survived by children, Ryan Ward of Warren County and Courtney (Gwynn) Newby and Leslie (Melody) Ward, both of McMinnville; grandchildren, Kane Newby and Dylan Ward; sisters, Cathy Mansell of Morrison and Hope Knight of McMinnville; nieces, Heather Newby and Madison Roberts; nephew, Kristian (Tammy) Mansell; brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Audrey) Ward, Lynn (Lori) Ward, David Ward, Tim Ward and Jim Ward; sisters-in-law, Brenda Henderson, Martha Braswell and Linda (Tommy) Thompson and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

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.

Main Street Journal

March 17, 2026