Mrs. Arlene Vanessa Ward

The Circle of Life Musical Journey of Arlene Vanessa Ward Arlene Vanessa Ward, 59 of 1930 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria Ill. passed this life unto another peacefully at 12:01 am on December 13, 2012 at Kindred Hospital. Vanessa, as she was affectionately known, was born in Port Chester, New York to proud parents Sherman and Melissa Pearl (Elliott) Martin. She was born May 11, 1953. She married her college sweetheart, Kenneth "Kenny" Ward, on April 24, 1976 and to that union three (3) children were born, Terravis Lael, twins, Kennessa Marie and Kenneth Maurice, Jr. Her beloved husband, Kenneth Ward Sr.. preceded her in death May 6,1990. Vanessa is also preceded in death by her parents; four (4) brothers and two (2) sisters. Vanessa attended schools in Port Chester, graduating from Port Chester High School. She studied 4 yrs at Bradley University where she majored in Music and Voice. She was co-founder of the Bradley University Gospel Choir. Vanessa and Kenny joined the ministry of New Hope International Ministries, under the leadership of Bishop Harold Dawson, Sr. She was a long time member of the New Hope Sounds of Deliverance, she traveled around the USA ministering in song. For many years her voice could be heard as the identifying voice of Radio and TV stating "Greetings, You are listening to the Voice of Deliverance Broadcast emanating to you live from New Hope International Ministries.... where "One Service Could Change Your Entire Life"... She was a member of the community gospel group "Friends" and along with her husband shared the stage with such gospel "greats " as Mattie Moss Clark and the Clark Sisters, The Winans, Jesse Dixon, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Tommies, Commissioned to name a few. They not only shared the stage but also shared bountiful feasts prepared in their home after ministering in music. Her faithfulness, musical giftings, administrative expertise and commitment to excellence was evident throughout each dispensation and evolution of the ministry. She was a wise woman, perceptive and apt to teach. She was an ordained Elder in New Life Christian Church. She served in numerous capacities in ministry including Board of Directors, she was instrumental in implementing the vision of Women with a Purpose, founded by Evangelist Mattie Dawson, she was a founding member of the ecumenical intercessory prayer group, Purple Hat Brigade. She became a member of Elogeme Adolphi Christian Sorority and was appointed to the National Board in 2009. Her spiritual name, "Sakal Chazah" in the Hebrew denotes a woman of wisdom"Sakal" and vision "Chazah". Vanessa worked as a Head Start Teacher and often shared with her unique wit, stories of her experiences with Pastor Spencer Gibson. She worked as a Project Manager for Ameritech for over 18 years, before retiring. She held the position of Intake Coordinator at Lifeline Family Services for 3 years. Vanessa completed her cycle in the Circle of Life and leaves to cherish her memories her children; three (3)brothers, Robin and Charles Martin of Mt. Vernon, NY and William Elliott of Fayetteville, NC; one (1) sister Michelle Martin of Yonkers NY; thirteen (13) grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, her New Life Christian Church family and friends. Vanessa was a faithful member of New Life Christian Church at 2018 W. Kellogg Avenue, West Peoria, formerly New Hope International, where a two hour visitation will be held on Thursday evening, December 20, 2012 from 5-7 pm. The Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, December 21, 2012 at St. Paul Baptist Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 am. Pastor Deveraux Hubbard and Bishop Harold Dawson, Sr. will officiate. Vanessa will be entombed at American Mausoleum. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to simonsmortuary.com website.

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Mrs. Arlene Vanessa Ward

May 11, 1953 - December 13, 2012