SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF EULIS JOAN THOMPSON-WARD

Mrs. Eulis Joan Thompson-Ward was born on January 8, 1920, in the Parish of St. Elizabeth, Jointwood District, Jamaica, West Indies. Her parents were David and Rebecca Thompson. She had eleven brothers and sisters (including an adopted brother who still resides in London, England). Eulis is the 7th of all her siblings.

After she finished high school in Jamaica, in 1950 Eulis joined most of her siblings who were living in London, England. Shortly after arriving in England, she gained employment under the British Diplomatic Work Program as a housekeeper to two Canadian law students. This program eventually brought her to Washington, District of Columbia, United States. Her desire was always to be a cosmetologist (beautician), so while continuing to work during the day, she enrolled at the Apex Beautician College on U Street, NW, Washington, DC, where she attended classes on her days off. After graduation, she left the Program and established herself as an exceptional beautician until her retirement in 2019 (but she still had a select few of her clients who refused to have anyone else care for their hair.). Her talents were not limited to just being a beautician but she did seamstress and millinery works; she designed and made beautiful hats some were even modeled at shows in New York City. It was during this time that she also met the love of her life, Clinton Ward. Eventually they were married in 1953 until his death in 1979. Eulis never remarried.

Eulis’ Christian journey began as a girl in Jamaica where she was brought up by God-fearing parents and attended and participated at the Church of God and Retirement Presbyterian churches. She never abandoned her faith as she moved from Jamaica to London and finally to America. With her move to DC, she decided that she must find a home church. So, one Sunday morning, she took a most unusual step to find one - she took her Bible, went to 14^th Street and rode the bus down 14^th Street. A divinely- arranged event occurred - She saw a young man also with a Bible who got on her bus and decided to follow him, because she reasoned that he must be “going to church”. He exited the bus and proceeded down R Street, NW., So she followed him to 1225 R Street, NW, the home of Metropolitan Baptist Church…and the rest is history! She became a member of that community of believers and served faithfully in several ministries: the Sunday School, the Women’s Ministry, the Missionary Council, Hearts and Flowers Senior Club, and the Chorus Choir. She was the president of the Emanuel Bible School class. She remained a faithful member for many years., until the church was surprisingly sold in 2010 and a new Metropolitan Church was set up in Maryland. That location proved too difficult for her to reach by bus, so she began attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church, housed at 5101 14^th Street NW, around the corner from her house. She eventually joined that church and as was her habit, she participated in several ministries: Senior Adult Sunday School, Deaconess Board, the Missionary Circle, and Golden Era Club. She was an active member of the Hattie Homes Senior Center until COVID pandemic closed the facility. She was recognized by many organizations, such as the DC Department of Aging and Community Living, the Mayors’ Centenarian award, and Council of the District of Columbia Ward 4.

Eulis’ life has been exemplified by a life of service and giving to others. She is the “Dorcas” of her neighborhood. When she moved to America, she was constantly extending an invitation to family members and friends who wanted to relocate to America and was instrumental in one her sister and their family relocating to America. Her house was warm and welcoming, a “home away from home” for many until they could establish themselves. Her annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner were legend. While she was still in her nineties, she participated in the yearly fundraiser selling dinners for the District of Columbia Chapter of the American Autism Society’s (DCASA) summer camp fund. She was committed to this group and served with humility. She “manned” the kitchen. She became the much-loved and adopted “Aunt Eulis” to all the families of the DCASA family.

Eulis is proud of her family tree. Husband, Clinton Ward (deceased), three daughters, Sherlan McDonnaugh (three children and four grandchildren), Monica Williams (two children and one granddaughter) and Audrey Clements (one son and one grandson), her special niece-daughter Daisy Maggett, six great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members in Canada, Jamaica, and London, England.