Nelda Sue Ward

Nelda Sue Ward left this earthly world to be with her heavenly Father on April 5, 2022. She had just turned 83. She was born on March 15, 1939 in Camden, Arkansas to Eddie G. French and Agee French McKelvy. She grew up in the Camden-Fairview area of Ouachita County. She went to Fairview High School. She left school, married and had two children, Alfred Lamar and Sandra Kay. After this marriage ended Sue moved to Magnolia, Arkansas to go to work at the Shanhouse Coat Factory; that is where she met and married Henry Garner Ward. John Curtis was born a year later in 1963. Garner later adopted Lamar and Sandra. The family was then complete. Sue later went to work for the Firestone Coated Fabrics Company; she worked there until she retired. Garner became a construction welder through an apprenticeship program. He retired from Local 706 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Lamar, Sandra and John attended Magnolia Public Schools. Lamar became a welder, Sandra became a teacher and principal and John became an electrician. Sue and Garner sold their home in Magnolia and moved outside of in Waldo; that was where they were living when Garner passed away. Sue lived there until she entered Hudson Memorial Nursing Home in El Dorado, Arkansas; that was where she was living when the Lord called her home.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Garner Ward and older brother, Donald Ray French.

She is survived by her three children; Lamar Ward of Magnolia, AR, Sandra Ward Garrard of Hallsville, TX, and John Ward of Waldo, AR; one grandson, Hank Ward and wife, Cody of Bossier City, LA; three granddaughters, Stacy Rainey and husband, Eddie of El Dorado, AR, Cassondra Ward of Royal, AR, and Leah Harlow and husband, Hiram of Bismark, AR; eight great grandchildren, Sadie Jo Ward, Austin and Trey Rainey, Haden and Christian Yancy, Makala Magby, Jayala Ellis, and Hamilee and Ezekiel Harlow; one great great grandchild, Preston Yancy; former daughter in law, Nancy Ward; brother in law, Tee Ward and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sue will be laid to rest on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Stamps with Bro. Adam Rogers officiating. A private family interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Bodcaw, AR under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Stamps from 5:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M.