A large gathering took place Friday morning at the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville to honor Mayor Kevin Ward’s life and his dedication to public service.
Family, friends and members of the community, including local, county and state officials, filled up the pews as those who knew Ward recalled his warmth and eagerness to give back wherever he could.
To mark the event and pay tribute to Ward, the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department used a ladder truck to raise an oversized flag which waved during steady rain showers throughout the morning.
The nearly two-hour memorial service included opening remarks by Rev. Dr. Yvonne Wallace Penn, pastor of First United; a musical performance on a grand piano by Paul Ike, who sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing;” and reflections from longtime friends such as Stephannie Oriabure, who met Ward when they were freshmen at Texas A&M. Maryland state Del. Alonzo Washington, who knew Ward personally and professionally, also gave remarks.
Ward’s childhood friend Camesha Scruggs sang a powerful version of the hymn “God Will Take Care of You,” while former Hyattsville mayor and close friend Candace Hollingsworth gave a heartfelt eulogy, at times drawing laughs when she shared Ward’s vibrant sense of humor.
Hollingsworth recalled how she recently sought advice from Ward about a personal decision, and he responded with the “wisdom of a man three decades older.”
She recalled that he wrote in an email to her that “opportunity comes with a whisper and we have to listen because by the time we hear the yell it is too late.”
Earning a laugh from the crowd, Hollingsworth recalled that Ward “lived loudly,” that he was an example for everyone to be their authentic selves.
“I am convinced there is a reason that he impressed to everyone that the ‘you’ you are is better than the ‘you’ anyone else wants you to be,” she said.
She ended by quoting Ward’s inspirational advice to kids at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in 2019: “Be you, open yourself up to be you, because I bet that many of you wake up in the morning and really don’t know who you are. Whatever you think is wrong, there’s nothing wrong. You are here, and that’s enough.”
After the eulogy, a brief ceremonial honor was given by Interim Mayor Robert Croslin and City Administrator Tracey Douglas.
A colorful program was handed out with dozens of photos which included him with his husband Chad Copeland and their two sons, as well as photos of Ward out and about in the community doing what he loved. A poem by Maya Angelou “When Great Trees Fall,” was also included in the program.
Purple ribbon pins were handed out as guests arrived at the church while purple lightbulbs were handed out to members of the community as they left the service to put up on their porches, in honor of Ward’s favorite color.
The service was followed by a police-escorted procession through Hyattsville.
The city flag will be at half-staff for the remainder of the month and the city building and Hyatt Park are lit up purple to honor Ward.
Members of the community who wish to honor Ward can pick up free purple lightbulbs, yard ribbons and lapel pins at the city building at 4310 Gallatin St.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests people donate to Think of Us, a nonprofit organization Ward supported that researches and develops programs for children in need. You can donate in his memory online here.
