Celebration of Life Services will be held for Mrs. Julia Bell McDowell Ward, will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Vaughn Chapel Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m.  The Officiant will be Pastor Tony E. Fraley, Vaughn Chapel Baptist Church, and the Eulogist will be Pastor Belvin D. Ware of Macedonia Baptist Church of Macon, Georgia.

Mrs. Ward entered into rest on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Julia "Judy" Bell McDowell Ward was born on April 22, 1945, in Baldwin County, Georgia, to the late Mr. Sammie McDowell and Mrs. Annie Lue Harper McDowell. She grew up in Milledgeville, Georgia, and graduated from Boddie High School as a member of the Class of 1963.

Judy Bell leaves to cherish her loving memory to her devoted sister, Veola Milton, and brothers, Varry "Pete" McDowell (Odessa) and Earnest McDowell, all of Milledgeville, Georgia.   She also leaves behind the children she loved as her own: Natasha Ward; twins Cherrena Nelson and Cheryl (Steven) Crozier; Byron Perkins; and Dewayne (Pamela) Ward.

Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Shayla, Nikki, Shane, Paris, Davin, and Shermaine. Judy Bell also leaves five great-grandchildren: Namaiyah, Ciara, Jayden, Xavier, and Nate; two great-great-grandchildren: Nicholas and Elijah; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Express condolences, your thoughts, and prayers to the Ward family @ www.peoplesfuneralhomemilledgeville.com

Peoples Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.