Just six days before what would have been her 69th birthday, Joan Ward transitioned from this world into the next. When she drew her first breath on August 2, 1954, Joan was welcomed into the loving arms of her parents, Paul and Julia Ward, and her two big sisters. Joan departed this earthly state on July 27, 2023.  As at her birth, she was surrounded by the loving arms of family. This time, it was her three surviving children, a much-loved granddaughter, one of her big sisters, and a favorite nephew. Their arms had the heartbreaking task of letting go as Joan departed this earthly realm.

Joan grew up and lived most of her life in the Marshall, Texas neighborhood called the "Sunny South". In her later years, Joan took great pride in the title given to her by her favorite DJ at Radio Station KDKS of Shreveport.  Mention "Mayor of the Sunny South" and everyone knows you're talking about Joan Ward.

Joan's early school years were at Holy Spirit Catholic School. She converted to Catholicism at a young age and was baptized at Holy Spirit Church. Joan graduated Marshall High School in 1972. She graduated Wiley College in 1979 and later attended Commercial Business College in Shreveport.

As Joan traveled her life journey, through schools, jobs, hobbies, social clubs, she exhibited the superpower she had for making and keeping friends. To her final days, she loved and was loved by friends—friends she knew from elementary and high school days, friends from Sunny South, friends who knew her as "Lady J" from her CB days, friends who got together for weekly games and contributions to their Christmas saving accounts, friends from the VIP club. As she became more mobility challenged, Joan relished communicating by phone and Facebook. People embraced Joan and she embraced them right back.

Joan was devoted to her children and grandchildren. They could be certain that she was always on their side and with them through thick and thin. Joan was predeceased by her parents and her youngest son, Adrian-AA.

She leaves to mourn her passing son, Paul Ward (Ashley) of Longview; daughter, Ebony Ward and son, Eric Ward--both of Marshall.

Granny will be greatly missed by Eric, Paul and Adrian's children:  Erin, Travion, Nekera, Janiah, Paul Jr., Kyron, Kyree, Adrian Jr., Adrianna and Serenity.

Joan will live forever in the hearts of her two big sisters—Elaine Ward Wyman of Marlin, Texas, and Sharon Ward Barron of The Woodlands, Texas—and their children (Joan's nieces—Nicole Barron Woodkins, Tasha Barron and Jamelle Wyman Garner and nephews—Vincent Barron, Roderick Barron, Julian Wyman, Hannibal Wyman and Idris Wyman).

Let us pray that soon, instead of the tears we shed now because her earthly life has ended, memories of Joan will make us smile because her wonderful life happened.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, August 5, 2023, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2023, at the funeral home.