Savannah-Rachel Earline Dukes Ward, born October 8, 1921, died October 15, 2007.

She was the third child born of Ethel and Joe Dukes in White Oak, Mississippi. She attended Mississippi public schools and with her sister, Pauline, played high school girls basketball.

She moved to Atlanta in 1945 to work for Southern Bell as an operator. She met the love of her life, Wilbur, on a blind date and they were married in 1948. In 1952, they moved to Albany, Georgia and in 1956 they moved to Savannah.

She and Wilbur started Wilbur M. Ward Co., a construction equipment supply and rental company, in 1963. She was the "Girl Friday" for the company, keeping the books, helping customers with rental equipment and selling any of the supplies they offered. All this while Wilbur covered South Georgia selling the companies goods.

She was heavily involved in the founding of Southside Christian Church DOC where she served as President of the Women's Christian Fellowship WCF on several occasions. She was also involved with the Women in Construction WIC and served as President too.

The two most important people in her life were her two grandchildren: Martin and Marianne. She spent countless hours playing, helping and teaching them about life and how to live it.

She was a member of First Christian Church DOC after Southside Christian merged with First Christian in the early 90’s.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Wilbur M. Ward; Brother, Tommy Dukes and Sister, Pauline Owens. She is survived by: Son, Leonard Martin "Marty" Ward Mary; Grandson, Martin Ward II of Knoxville, Tennessee; Granddaughter, Marianne Ward of Savannah, Georgia; Sister, Vera Keith Everett of Jackson, Mississippi and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 18, 2007 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 19, 2007 at First Christian Church