Obituaries

Mr. Ways was born in Washington and graduated from Cardozo High School. He served in the Army during World War II.

A talented musician who played piano, organ and most wind instruments, he attended the Modern School of Music in Washington. He also studied at the Department of Agriculture Graduate School during his long tenure as a civilian employee of the Coast Guard. He retired in 1982 as graphic arts chief.

In 1981, Mr. Ways became an ordained minister after graduating from the Washington Baptist Seminary. He was assistant pastor of Peoples Community Church in Northeast Washington from 1981 to 2007.

Earlier in his life, Mr. Ways was a member of the 15th Street Presbyterian Church, St. Phillip's Baptist Church, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church and Cole Capitol Hill Baptist Church, all in Washington.

His wife of 41 years, Eudora Gibson Ways, died in 1984.

A son, James Avon Ways, died in early childhood.

Survivors include eight children, Carlotta Jordan, Paul G. Ways and Judy A. Ways, all of Washington, Antoinette Lewis of Woodbridge, Felicia J. Jones of Oxon Hill, Michael Ways of Largo, David Ways of Laurel and Sue E. Ways of Brentwood; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

-- Matt Schudel