Jeanette Martin Ward was born on February 13, 1939, in Delisle, Mississippi, to Leslie Robert Martin and Ellen (Ausmer) Martin. She spent her childhood there, attending St. Stephens Catholic Church and School. Jeanette was the oldest of nine siblings.

Jeanette married Andrew Joseph (Joe) Ward of Pass Christian, MS. With him she had six children - two sons, one stepson, and three daughters. After living in Chicago IL for 10 years, they moved back home to Pass Christian where they lived the rest of their lives. She attended Our Mother of Mercy Church where she enjoyed being a member of the Choir and the Ladies' Auxiliary and also helping out with church fairs. She worked many years as a housekeeper. After retirement she enjoyed decorating and maintaining her home and yard, and spending time with family. At age 86, after a years-long battle with Alzheimer's Disease, she passed peacefully on November 8, 2025.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Ellen and Robert Martin; her husband, Andrew Joseph Ward; son, Darrel Ward; daughter, Sharon Ward Cherry; grandson, Darius Ward; brothers, Randolph, Van, Jerry Dedeaux, Norman Marti; and sister, Gloria Martin Belvin.

Jeanette is survived by daughters, Stephney (Leonard) Lawton and June (Tony) Raboteau; son, Andrew Ward, Jr.; and stepson, Gregory Thomas. She is also survived by a beloved daughter-in-law, Lillie Biggs Ward McMillan, widow of her late son Darrel; and a goddaughter and niece, Tasha Martin. Her surviving siblings are sisters, Geraldine Martin Brown and Prenella Martin Willis, and brother, Ronald (Wanda) Martin. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Jeanette's love and wisdom touched each generation, and her memory will continue to inspire her family for years to come.