Calton Ward

Calton’s Journey

Calton Ward (Cat), 86, of Cleveland, Ohio, peacefully passed away on April 6, 2025, after courageously enduring a long-term illness for over 20 years.

Born on June 26, 1938, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to the late George and Ethel Chambers. Calton was a woman of strength, compassion, and had a vibrant spirit. As a child, she boldly refused to work in the cotton fields, which led her family—including her beloved sisters Flossie Wilson and Hazel Hudspeth—to relocate to Cleveland, Ohio during the Great Migration. The family was warmly welcomed by her great uncle and aunt, Reverend Oby and Tansy Cowan, until her father found work and purchased a home.

At 12 years old, Calton accepted Christ and became a member of The Shiloh Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio under the pastorate of, A. Henson Jarmon. Calton was a cherished member of Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the late pastor Reverend George O. Stewart, where she worshiped faithfully and built deep connections within the church family. She was educated in Cleveland, Ohio and went on to dedicate her life to caring for others, working in the healthcare industry as a private duty nurse. Her clients included prominent families, such as the owner’s of Forest City Property Management and Hough Bakeries. Calton was known for her love of entertaining and frequently hosted family dinners and celebrations at her home. A superb cook and a fancy dresser who always stood out in a crowd, she made sure everyone around her was cared for and never went without. Her generosity, sense of style, and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Born to The Late Rubin Wilson: Robin (Wilson) Shepherd (John), Rubin Wilson, Lisa (Wilson) Miller, Born to the Late Willimon J. Peck: Tammy Peck, step-daughter, Shannon Ward (Patrick, Shianne, Ebony)(William Ward), and step- son Keith Deloach (Rubin Wilson)

She is also survived by her godchildren, Darthale Mathews and Leslita Reed; 10 nieces, 1 nephew; and a host of great-great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, past co-workers, classmates, and colleagues. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Nikiya Bain (Jason/deceased), Unique Weems (Antwon), and Ericka Fair (Shauntez), and 13 great-grandchildren: Rick Brown (26), Gavin Johnson (21), Annika James (20), Aniyah Pratt (19), Anthony Pratt (18), Khristian Johnson (16), Amiyah Shepherd (15), Caiden Robinson (14), Amani Shepherd (14), Tristan Fair (13), Eden Fair (11), A’mirrah Cozart Shepherd (9), and A’millian Weems (5). She was preceded in death by her parents George and Ethel Chambers, her 2 beloved sisters Flossie Wilson and Hazel Hudspeth and her half-brother Filbert Chambers. Calton Ward will be remembered for her deep faith, her boldness and beauty, her love of family, and her enduring legacy of care and compassion.

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