In Loving Memory ...

Martha Katharine Carlton Ward


WARD, Martha Carlton 93, a sixth-generation Floridian, and widow of David E. Ward, passed away Jan. 9, 2008, in her home in Tampa, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Tampa on Oct. 16, 1914, to Nell Ray Carlton and Doyle Elam Carlton, who served as Florida's 25th governor and was a founder of the Carlton Fields Law Firm. Mrs. Ward attended Gorrie Elementary School and Wilson Junior High School in Tampa. She was a graduate of Florida High School, the demonstration school of Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee. Mrs. Ward graduated in 1935 from Florida State College for Women (present day Florida State University.) She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, serving as president of her chapter in college and of the Tampa alumni association. In Tampa, Mrs. Ward was a member of the Spinsters Club, a 1936 Merrymakers Club sponsor and was queen of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla in 1936. She was a member of the Junior League of Tampa, serving as president of the Sustainers; was a member of the Chiselers, a support group of the University of Tampa; and was a former president of the Hillsborough County Bar Auxiliary. Mrs. Ward was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Tampa, where she was a Sunday school teacher and active in her church circle. She was also a member of the Tampa Yacht Club and the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. Married in 1937 to David E. Ward, a Fort Myers attorney and state senator, the Ward's had three children, David E. Ward Jr., Nell Ward, of Tampa, and R. Carlton Ward, of Clearwater. Mrs. Ward was active in her children's lives. She was a Brownie leader, involved with PTA's, and a founding member of the Berkeley Blazers of Berkeley Preparatory School. Predeceased by her parents, Governor Doyle E. Carlton & Nell Ray Carlton; her husband, David E. Ward; her siblings, Mary Carlton Ott, Tallahassee, & Doyle E. Carlton Jr. (Wauchula.) Survived by her children, David E. Ward Jr., of Tampa (Linda), Nell Ward, of Tampa, and R. Carlton Ward, of Clearwater (Ann); grandchildren, David E. Ward III, of McMinnville, OR, Timothy B. Ward, of Tampa (Michelle), R. Carlton Ward Jr., of Tampa, and Travis B. Ward, of Clearwater; and great-grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Ward, Arthur Carlton Ward, and Wilson Chance Ward, of Tampa. The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers Joyce Moreau and Sigrid Rabbitt, as well as, the staff of LifePath Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at 3 pm at the First Baptist Church of Tampa, at the corner of Kennedy Blvd. and Plant Ave. A Visitation with the family will be held immediately following at the home of David and Linda Ward. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial gift be made to LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, FL 33609, or the charity of your choice. Plese sign the online guestbook at: www.blountcurry.com. Arrangements by: Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 813-876-2421

Published in the Tampa Bay Times from Jan. 12 to Jan. 14, 2008