Mr. Colton Garrett Ward, 30, entered the arms of Jesus on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, surrounded by his parents and his beloved “Uncle Luke” Carpenter at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk.
He came into this world as a miracle with severe earthly disabilities on Jan. 25, 1993, to his proud parents, Charles G. Ward Jr. and Roxane R. Ward of Exmore.
Colton lived at home with his parents until the age of 15, when he went to live at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children in Norfolk. Colton blossomed at St. Mary’s and accomplished things his doctors declared he would never do. He loved his family and life at St. Mary’s. Some of his favorite things were being on the swing, being on the porch, being walked around the campus, bumpy rides in the van, funny sounds, and his iPad. His laughter was belly deep and contagious.
He was a joy and an inspiration to all who were blessed enough to know him. Colton was a true testament to unconditional love, the kind our Heavenly Father calls each of us to be.
Colton fought the good fight, he loved life, and he fought through every adversity with a smile.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” 2 Timothy 4:7
His family has been eternally changed by his presence and temporarily changed by his passing, as Colton was their greatest teacher. With shattered hearts, they mourn their loss but at the same time rejoice in the fact that “absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,” 2 Corinthians 5:8. Colton has been made whole.
Colton is survived by his parents: Roxane and Charles (Gil) of Exmore; a special cousin, Luke Carpenter, of Exmore; Aunt Patsy (Jimmy) Turner, of Exmore; Aunt Pam (Kris) Carpenter, of Nassawadox; Aunt Gloria (Woody) Hill, of Severn, Md.; Uncle Guy (Andrea) Dorey, of Atlanta; and numerous cousins and his beloved family at St. Mary’s Home.
Colton was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents, Stella Dorey, Gil Masse, and Charles and Marion Ward.
The family is eternally grateful for the many caretakers, prayer warriors, and friends in Colton’s life.
A graveside service was conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28, at Belle Haven Cemetery with Pastor Jonathan Carpenter officiating. Family joined friends at Doughty Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, Dec. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Colton to: ABSMHDC (Auxiliary Board of St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children), P.O. Box 55076, Virginia Beach, VA 23471; or ABSMHDC, C/O Roxane Ward, 2517 Miles Wharf Road, Exmore, VA 23350; or through PayPal: Auxiliary Board of St Mary’s Home for Disabled Children. All donations will be used to start the Colton Ward Foundation (more information to follow).
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
