Ms. Elcie Mae Ward, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend of Tampa, FL, passed away and returned to the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 23, 2025, at the age of 90. She was the daughter of the late Rebecca Pearl Wallace and the late Essic Williams of Tallevast, FL. Elcie was born on December 8, 1935, and was raised in Tallevast, FL. She graduated from Florida Lincoln Memorial High School with honors. Elcie was a licensed cosmetologist. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rebecca Pearl Wallace and Essic Williams; brothers, Louis Maultsby, Sammie Lee Peterson, and Tim Howard Maultsby; and her daughter, Debora Darlene Wiggins-Mutton.

She is survived by four daughters, Sharon Keyes (Greg, Sr.) Valerie Betts (Donny Ray) Kathy Ward, and Caroll Ward Gainey (Derrick); nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Elcie leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work and strong independence. Her commitment to family and faith will continue to inspire us all. Her love for family was undeniable, just two weeks before her passing, she was beaming with joy as family and friends gathered to celebrate her 90 th birthday. She remarked smiling proudly "this was the best birthday I have ever had". It was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of love. The family extends its great appreciation to those who cared for Elcie, including Shawn, Arthur, Omar, Ernest, Nitta, Judy, Joyce, Stephanie, Arlene, Yuleisys, Loodney, Ruth, Alex, Montray, Tasha, Diana, Jeanette, Julie, Lynn, Melissa and Nathan and Flavio Correa Family.

Mama's Favorite Poem

"I thought that words were singing things, like colors on a tree. But since I felt their ghastly lash and know how words can sting, I hold my breath when words go by for fear they will not sing". She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.