Ms. Michelle Releford

April 14, 1965 - July 25, 2021

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 I am home in heaven dear ones, oh so happy and so bright. There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, ever restless tossing past. I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last. On Sunday, July 25, 2021, the angels rejoiced as the gates of heaven opened to welcome Michelle Ward Releford into eternal rest. We have come together to celebrate the beautiful life of Michelle Ward Releford. She was a devoted, loving, and caring mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend. Michelle was born in Norfolk, Virginia and was educated in the Virginia Beach School System. She was an employee of the City of Virginia Beach for over 30 years. Michelle was predeceased by her parents Robert Ward, Catherine Ward, and Bernice Barnard; her son, Cornell Ward; brothers, Vernon Ward, Lewis Parker, and Booker T. Bullock; sister, Anne Brickhouse. She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter Yolanda Ward-Hyman (Dadrian), sons James Releford IV (Ashia) and Todd Wallace, bonus daughters Anitra and Jamica Releford, sisters Janice Winslow (Randolf), Debra Pollard, Brenda Ward Gregory, Shawanda Epps (Angelo), and Rebecca Reid, brothers Leonard Brickhouse, Robert Brickhouse (Brenda), Reggie Brickhouse (Jeanette), Michael Ward, and Herbert Ward (Anne), grandkids Juanita Ward, DesRon Ward, Alize Rouse, Zaeyana Rouse, Zaeyon Rouse,James Releford V, Jordynn Releford, Jace Releford, D’Amoni Ward-Hyman, Dadrian Hyman Jr., August Releford, Carlos Hinton and Maleah Worsley; special friend Kenneth Leach; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   Shelly Strong as they come, Shelly was one of one. Heart of a lioness, heart on her sleeve, you rose up out the struggle, you never changed like autumn leaves, we knew you wouldn’t leave. Emotions we never showed that but unconditional love you always showed that. Loyal to a T, you were our queen, always serving royalty. Loving unlimited, you walked the talk, a lioness untamed, you didn’t play games. You shook the world up, that’s why we still holding on, we can’t let you go. Stood in the rain just so the world could see your Sons shine. History will whisper your reign now watch over us while your Daughter run things. Expensive garments weren’t your thing but, in your honor, let us serve your royalty. Lady from that country road, ride or die for that country road love. Life is short, we cry because you’re gone, we know you’re home now, but I see you in Yolanda’s eyes now. You shook the world up giving us the world forever our baby girl, you can go home now… Shelly