Vanhilda Ward's life and legacy is that of a Caribbean-American woman of quiet strength who came to the United States from Barbados to live.  Her life tells the story of so many people of color who came to this country during a time of many challenges to create a new life and raise a family.

Vanhilda Elaine Ward was born and raised in Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados to Carmen Odessa Griffith and Cardinal Appleton Prescod on October 22, 1927.  Always a dedicated student, she attended Church Village Girls School in her early years, and completed high school at the Lynch Secondary School in St. Michael with high marks. As a young woman, Vanhilda was always known for her sense of style, and was skilled at making clothing.  She was known as “Hilda” by her family and close friends. Although a woman of few words, Vanhilda nurtured many long-lasting friendships, as well as the admiration of her peers.

Vanhilda’s interest in the health care field started early in life.  She completed her training to become a nurse in Barbados, working in that capacity until 1958 before coming to the United States shortly thereafter. Through networking, Vanhilda was recommended and recruited to continue her training to become an R.N., and work as a nurse in the United States. Vanhilda excelled in her studies, and became a valuable resource to other recruits pursuing their nursing credentials.  While establishing herself as a nurse in the United States, Vanhilda worked at a variety of health care facilities, honing her skills, and eventually became employed by Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, where she spent most of her working career that spanned more than thirty-five years. She completed her career in 1997 as a Head Nurse.  Afterwards, she began a new chapter where she traveled, gardened, volunteered at her church's food pantry to help those in need, and also participated as a member of the Barbados Nurses’ Association.

Vanhilda married her soulmate George Adolphus Ward on December 9, 1960 after a brief six-week courtship.  At the time of his passing, they had been married for forty-one years. From their union, four children were born: Orson, Kent, Merlene, and Duane.  As a loving wife and devoted mother, Vanhilda demonstrated the fortitude it took to create a loving home, and raise four children, with one having special needs at a time when resources were not readily available nor easily obtained.  She worked the night shift as a nurse for years in order to be there for her children in the morning, and get them ready for school; yet, she still managed to find the time to expose them to music, dance, and countless other activities to round out their education.  Vanhilda lived a life marked by generosity, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. Throughout her life, Vanhilda was known for her kindness, work ethic, involvement in the health care community, Christian faith, and love of travel.  Her dedication as a wife, mother, and nurse touched countless lives, and created a legacy of compassion and service.  Vanhilda Elaine Ward entered into eternal rest to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Vanhilda was preceded in death by her mother Carmen Odessa Griffith, her father Cardinal Prescod, her husband George Ward, her mother-in-law Fannie Prescod, her brother Cyril Prescod, her sister-in-law Alma Ward, her cousin Victor Griffith, her nephew Andre Earle, and her nieces: Claudia Mayers and Arlene Chandler.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her loving and devoted children: Orson Ward, Kent Ward, Merlene Ward-Nelson, and Duane Ward; her son-in-law Clayton Nelson; her daughter-in-law Patricia Ward; her grand-children: Jay Nelson, Orson Ward, Jr., and Christopher Ward; her nephew Raphael Earle; her nieces: Lynette Burnett, Simone Johnson, Carol Mayers, and Romancia Griffith-Jones; and the many friends and acquaintances throughout her lifetime.