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Chiquita Antoinette Ward was born October 13,1991, to Barbara Ward and the late Felix Ward at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC. Surrounded by family and friends, Chiquita peacefully departed this life on September 30, 2025. Chiquita grew up in Robersonville, NC and attended Martin County Schools. She attended East End Elementary School where she remained an honor roll student. She was remembered as a well-mannered child with a smile always on her face. She attended Roanoke Middle School where she played volleyball and softball, but sports did not quite suit her and that was fine because she would soon tap into something that was her passion, music. She played the trumpet, taking after her father. Chiquita and her trumpet were now the ultimate duo. After middle school "Quita" attended Roanoke High School. She dedicated her time to perfecting her craft as a musician. She played in the marching band, concert band, and was regularly selected by her band directors, since middle school, to participate in all district band each year. Chiquita was awarded several scholarships to recognize her academics, musicianship, and community service. These scholarships would support her future endeavors as a third generation Elizabeth City State University Viking. Upon graduating from Roanoke High in 2009, Chiquita entered a new era that would support and feed into her love for music. She joined the SOC marching band and made her mark. While attending ECSU, she became a spring 2014 initiate of Tuba Phi Tuba Brass Fellowship Inc. She would later find out she was continuing her father's legacy in the organization. She advocated and supported the Marching Sound of Class even after she laid her spats down and joined the band staff. "Quita” graduated from ECSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2015. She returned home to serve her community and began working in Martin County at Social Services. In 2019, She decided to further her commitment to helping people and ran for local office as a town commissioner. She became the youngest town commissioner for the Town of Robersonville. After serving Martin County Social Services, she moved to Pitt County Social Services in 2021 and remained there until she was unable to work. In 2023 she decided to run again in Robersonville and won once more. Councilwoman Ward showed up for the town and its people. In 2023, she had the idea to enhance life for young people in Robersonville and with a great team, she helped create The Robersonville Collective. Chiquita served well and always with a smile. She really loved The Lord and didn't hesitate to tell someone about the goodness of God. She attended Roberson Missionary Baptist Church from birth and was a member of the junior Usher board and member of the Jammin' for Jesus Youth Choir. While in college, she attended The Mount:Elizabeth City. She returned back to RMBC and directed the choir. Feeling that she wanted to learn more, she joined Koinonia Christian Center and served with Kid Min until her health declined. This year was the first year she stepped out on faith and led a life group at KCC titled, “I Miss My Dad,” to support people after the loss of their father. Chiquita was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Sam and Dollie Austin; paternal grandparents, Mary Jenkins, Jerome Ward, and Ivana Ward; father, Felix Ward. She leaves her precious memories to be cherished by, her mother, Barbara Ward of Robersonville, NC; sister, Ebony Ward of Robersonville, NC; brother, Ranoi Price (Gia) of Williamston, NC; two godsons like sons, Ethan Jackson and Alvin Jones of Greenville, NC; aunts, Tonette McNeil ( Keith) of Bryans Rd, MD, Catherine Williams of Robersonville, NC; uncles, Melvin Hudgins (Minnie) of Goldsboro, NC, Calvin Hudgins (Denise) of Greenville, NC, Cornette Ward of Robersonville, NC, Wilbert Ward of Waterbury, Ct, Bernard Hudgins of Tampa, FL, Clifton Austin of Fayetteville, NC, Willie Austin of Philadelphia, PA; niece, Treynce Price of Williamston, NC; nephews, Christian Price and Ranoi Price, Jr. of Williamston, NC; great-aunts, Bernice Witherspoon (Nathaniel), Lois Hudgins, Patricia Hudgins, Velma Perry, Joyce Ward, Lillie Mae Bryant, LTC retired Linda Trollinger; great-uncle, David Trollinger (Joy); god parents, Evangeline and William Freeman; god-brothers, Justin Freeman and Julian Freeman (Ashley); sister-cousin, Frances Renee Hill (Rodney); sister-like friends, Candice Jackson, Rachel Kirksey, Felisha Canady, Karman Battle, Tarsha Worsley, Columbia Moore, Jackie Tann, Tracie Tann, Terani Marrow; a host of other relatives and friends.

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Ms. Chiquita Ward

October 13, 1991 - September 30, 2025