Mrs. Frances Peek "Fran" Ward, 96, of Lake City passed away April 2, 2016 at Avalon Healthcare under Haven Hospice Care in Lake City following a lengthy illness. A native of Starke, FL, Mrs. Ward was the daughter of the late Sinclair L. and Mira Darby Peek and was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Ward in 1991 and her brothers, S.L. "Jimmie" Peek and L. Darby Peek.  She married Roy Ward in 1947 and together they owned and operated Wards Jewelry and Gifts.  Mrs. Ward had lived in Lake City since the early 1950's and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake City.

Survivors include her daughter, Jane Ward Gault, St. Augustine; her son, George Ward (Joan), Lake City; five grandchildren, Jennifer Gault Lambert (Erich Lambert), George Gault, Chris Ward (Jaci Ward), Jeffrey Ward, Stephen Ward (Karen Ward); great grandchildren, Darby Lambert, Will Lambert, Kate Ward, Iyla Ward and Sasha Ward; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and her beloved neighbors of nearly 50 years, Imogene, Larry and Greg Miller.

Funeral services for Mrs. Ward will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Lake City with Reverend Robert Bass and Reverend Lynwood Walters officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Private interment will be held with the family only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lake City at 182 NE Justice St., Lake City, FL 32055 or to Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center at 6037 W US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32055.  Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. HWY 441, Lake City. (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family on the online guest book at www.gatewayforestlawn.com