Celestral Omega Ward

Pastor Celestral O. Ward, 79, departed this life on December 16, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on September 30, 1946, in Eckman, WV. to Leander Howell Sr. and Elizabeth Shade Howe. She grew up in Mt. Vernon, NY and attended Mt. Vernon High School.

In 1964, she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class. She pursued further education at the New York Fashion Institute, where she developed a passion for creativity and design. Following her education, she worked as a Data Coordinator for Westchester County.

In 1982, she relocated her family to Kansas City, Missouri, where she began her career at Lawrence A. Jones Funeral Chapel. There, she grew from a secretary to becoming a licensed funeral director, notary public, and head of the Pre-Need Department.

She also embraced entrepreneurship by founding Ward’s Transportation, a venture through which she contributed significantly to her community. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to serving others and loved making a positive impact on her community.

Pastor Ward began her training in the ministry in 1988 under the tutelage of the late Pastor Lois Jean Seals. She accepted her calling, and with Assistant Pastor Bobby, they put a chair in the middle of the room and continued Pastor Seals’ legacy for Emmanuel Repentance Temple.

She helped people stay off drugs and alcohol, aiding their lives to accept Christ. She worked with all her heart and soul, possessing the greatest gift of helping others. Most people remember her by the way she helped them.

She had the God-given gift of helping others. The majority of the people in her life remember her for her generosity, giving her time and money to help others. She dedicated her life to turning others to Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She is preceded in her passing by her parents; brother, Leander Howell Jr; sisters: Linda Marrow, and Doris Strickland; nephew, Michael Howell; niece, Kamona Morrow; a special uncle, Ralph Howell; and cherished husband of 41 years, Bobby Ward.