Mt. Pleasant, SC - Norris Jennings Ward, affectionately called “Pop”, died peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the age of 98, surrounded by his adoring family. He left this life one day shy of the 77th wedding anniversary he would have celebrated with his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Romelle Barrineau Ward. Together, they built a legacy that three generations of their offspring are honored to uphold.

Norris was born in Georgetown, SC, on September 5, 1927, the second child of the late Jennings Lee Ward and the late Bertha Odelia Cooper Ward. When he was a toddler, his family moved to Sullivan’s Island, where he attended primary school. They later moved to peninsular Charleston, where he attended The Craft School and graduated from The High School of Charleston (1944). He enlisted in the US Army near the end of WWII and was proud to have served his country. Through the GI Bill, he attended Clemson University, where he enjoyed pole vaulting. His parents moved to Andrews, SC, where he met the love of his life, Gwen, known as “Gwennie” since her childhood. They married in 1949 and moved to Charleston to begin their life together. In the late ‘50s, they built a home on Atlantic Avenue at Station 16 1/2, Sullivan’s Island, where they raised their four children and created countless memories savoring island life.

In the late ‘60s, they co-founded Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, a business that became a cherished institution in the Lowcountry during their ownership. Through their vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to personal service, they grew a successful business from a 120 sq.ft. boutique to a 20,000 sq. ft. department store. For over a quarter century, Norris worked tirelessly alongside his wife and each of their four children, earning the respect and affection of employees, customers, and friends alike. Their eldest daughter, Lynn, led the company for a number of years following their retirement before eventually stepping away. Lynn’s daughter entered the business full time recently, reconnecting the Ward family legacy after many years of its absence. After retirement, Norris and Gwen traveled extensively in North America for many years. They historically preserved two properties on Officers’ Row on the former base of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, and operated the bachelor officers’ quarters as apartments. In 2007, they moved to McClellanville in search of the more peaceful lifestyle Sullivan’s Island once offered them.

Norris was extremely devoted to his family. As a man of few words and a true gentleman, everyone listened when he spoke. He was the ultimate caregiver, dedicating his entire life to supporting others. He helped raise his younger sister with special needs, comforted his mother after the devastating early loss of his father, and lovingly cared for his wife through her long battle with dementia. He taught at least a dozen children to take their first steps. He was kind to everyone.

Pop enjoyed Western movies, musicals, puzzles, golf, and holidays. He demonstrated a fierce game of half-rubber and was a masterful billiards player in his prime. He loved college football, especially the Clemson Tigers of his alma mater. He was known to recite long poems, was a gifted storyteller, and had a better memory than many half his age. He was always on time, frugal but generous to a fault, and a very keen investor. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, integrity, loyalty, and his enduring partnership with Gwennie. They were truly inseparable.

Norris is survived by his wife, Gwen; their children, Gwendolyn “Lynn” Romelle Ward, Norris Andrew Ward, and Beverly Ann Ward Burris (Steve); their grandchildren, Ruth Alison Ward, Andrew Jennings Ward, Marshall Jennings Simon, Theodore Arthur Ward (Rosy), Beverly Young Burris Kropski (Steve), Mary Madison Simon (Seth Gudger), Steven Young Burris, Norris Aubrey Moore, Carl Lee Moore, and Lawton Cole Burris; and seven great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents; his brother, William Arthur Ward; his sister, Janice Faye Ward; and a daughter, Karen Lee Ward (Carl Moore).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association (donorservices.alz.org) in honor of Norris’s widow, Gwendolyn Barrineau Ward, or to quietly enjoy an old Western movie with someone you love-one of Pop’s favorite pastimes. He was great at showing love in silence.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care, empathy, and exceptional assistance provided by the staff of Shem Creek at South Bay and Lutheran Hospice in Mt. Pleasant.

Friends and relatives will be received at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Rd., on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 p.m. Interment will be private.

Arrangements are entrusted to J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.