09/24/2026
💚 A LEGACY BUILT ON FAITH, FAMILY, SERVICE, AND SACRIFICE 💚
As we celebrate the birthday month of Mrs. Brittany L. Ward-Jarrells, it would be impossible not to pause and honor the extraordinary people whose love, wisdom, and guidance helped shape the woman she is today.
Brittany was raised by two remarkable pillars of faith and leadership: her beloved grandfather, Dr. Irvin Lee Ward Sr., and her cherished grandmother, Mrs. Barbara Ann Ward, both of whom faithfully served as Administrative Assistants to Bishop G. Wesley Hardy and Dr. Sherry J. Johnson of the Virginia Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (VA 4th COGIC).
Alongside the unwavering love and support of her mother, Ms. Andrea R. Ward-Johnson, and a host of aunts, uncles, and family members, Brittany was surrounded by individuals who poured into her life, corrected her when necessary, encouraged her dreams, and instilled in her the values of faith, service, leadership, and excellence.
For those who knew Dr. Ward Sr., they knew a man who was godly, loving, giving, charismatic, intelligent, soulful, and simply unforgettable. During more than 40 years of ministry, he faithfully pastored, planted churches, developed leaders, and helped countless ministries become established.
Through prayer, discernment, and business acumen, he not only led congregations but also nurtured communities.
What many may not realize is that ministry requires both a calling and stewardship. Dr. Ward Sr. understood that churches must be spiritually sound while also being managed responsibly. Throughout his life, he successfully owned and operated several businesses, demonstrating that faith and entrepreneurship can work hand in hand.
Growing up affectionately known as "Lil Pink" by her grandfather, Brittany could often be found right by his side. She listened. She learned. She observed. She researched. She assisted. She watched firsthand what it meant to lead with integrity, compassion, and excellence.
Those early lessons became the foundation for who she is today.
Since 2020, Brittany carried a dream in her heart: to one day place a green "W" on the side of a building in honor of her father and the Ward family legacy. Since March 11th 2023, that dream stands proudly fulfilled through Ward Enterprises Consulting Agency, Inc. and iSmart Residential Services. The green "W" shines on a brick-and-mortar location in Deep Creek Crossing Shopping Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, serving as a symbol of faith, perseverance, sacrifice, and vision.
The same compassion for helping others that Brittany witnessed in her grandfather now fuels her work helping Medicaid providers grow and succeed. Service to others is not simply what she does, it is part of who she is.
So as we celebrate another year around the sun for Brittany, we also celebrate the legacy-makers who made it possible:
💚 Dr. Irvin Lee Ward Sr.
💚 Mrs. Barbara A. Ward
💚 Ms. Andrea R. Ward-Johnson
Thank you for your sacrifices, your prayers, your leadership, and the foundation you built for future generations.
To Brittany, the many individuals, families, providers, and communities whose lives you have touched are grateful to know you and work beside you. Your journey is proof that faith, family, determination, and purpose can create a lasting impact.
Happy Birthday, Brittany! Keep going. Keep building. Keep serving. You've got this!
And to the entire Ward Family, thank you for preserving and advancing a legacy that continues to bless others.
💚 The next time you see a Green "W," remember the faith, sacrifice, passion, and unwavering commitment that went into creating this legacy. 💚