Sandra Kay Ward

Sandra Kay Ward, 61, of Little Rock, Arkansas, joined her precious mother, Bertha M. Ison, and all of the other saints of the ages in worship before God’s throne on Tuesday, the 21st day of June at 7:49 pm.

Many would say that she died, but the truth is, in that moment of physical death she began to live life eternal.

She valiantly braved cancer, without a complaint. She regularly commented that to live was victory, but if she died she would gain an even greater victory. Her faith was great and that faith has been rewarded by God.

She was born September 17, 1943, in Little Rock. She graduated from Little Rock Central and married her high school sweetheart Richard M. “Mike” Ward, Sr. They had one son, Ricky. Mike passed away on May 18, 1972.

Sandy or “Sissie,” along with her mother, raised Ricky together. They did not have a lot of material wealth to give Ricky, but he always had their unfailing love and support. Sandy taught him to love and serve God first and instilled within him a sense of values, morals, and faith.

It is that unwavering faith that has made the journey of the past month so much easier.

She was very proud of Rick’s accomplishments, such as when he became the first in the family to graduate from college, and then again when he completed his dual doctoral program and earned two doctorates in 2000. She still has a bound copy of his dissertation displayed on the top shelf of her bookcase.

Sandy rejoiced with him in success and pushed him forward in trials and difficult times.

She always told him that the greatest accomplishment he could achieve in life was to be a servant of God. She has received many cards from the parish families of Cathedral of The Holy Spirit in Houston, Texas, and from The Reform Church of Galveston, where Fr. Rick serves both congregations as Senior Pastor. Many mentioned how much she was appreciated for instilling the sense of caring and concern that he exhibits to the parish family. She truly deserves all of the credit for teaching him, not by words, but by being a living example of a true Christian. Christ said that the two greatest commandments were that you should love the Lord and you should love others as yourself, and Sandy did both of these.

On January 23, 1985, she met her best friend and companion, Paul J. Rowan. They have shared the last 21 years together. Paul has been the dearest friend she could have ever known. They have experienced so many wonderful times together, but the strongest bond they had was their devotion and love for God.

On Oct. 27, 2000, her Fox Terrier, “Missy,” came to live with her. She adored Missy and often referred to her as Ricky’s little sister. Missy had her own car seat, her own raincoat, and Sandy would take her out when it was raining with an umbrella held over her.

Sandy began work at K-Mart on November 26, 1968, and was Cash Office Manager before retiring after 30 years of employment. She then went to work for the YWCA’s Encore plus program in October 1999, working directly with client’s with breast and gynecological diagnoses. She was loved by the Encore staff, the clients, and personnel at the various provider facilities. The Program Director from Encore Plus, Ruth Byrne, stated, “We are not just losing an employee, but we are losing a part of the program itself.”

Sandy was a faithful member of Apostolic Church of North Little Rock and was always true to her religious beliefs and the doctrines of the church. She was a fourth generation Pentecostal, and she passed that rich heritage on to her son and her grandson.

She had written in a journal that her only desire in life was that others might somehow see Jesus Christ through her life. Today, her family can say that a race has been run, and the victory has been won. She is survived by her loving son, The Rev. Dr. Richard “Rick” M. Ward, Jr., Ph.D., D.D. and his life partner Bud Craig of Houston Texas; her devoted and cherished companion, Paul J. Rowan of Bauxite; and her beloved grandson, Zachary Alexander Ward of Cabot.

She also leaves to cherish her memory, her brother and sister-in-law, George R. and Kenna Ison, Jr.; two nieces and their husbands, Kelli and Rev. Aaron Smith and Courtney and Joshua Tolson of Little Rock. She is also survived by a cherished great niece, McKenna Tolson; a half-brother, Len Ison; as well as numerous extended family.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father and her precious and dearly loved and missed mother, Bertha “Mammaw” M. Brady Ison. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to one of the following charities: The Sandra K. Ward Women’s Healthcare Concerns Trust Fund c/o the YWCA Encore Plus, 1200 Cleveland, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, ATTN: Ruth Byrn; or to Cathedral of The Holy Spirit Memorial Fund, 4505 Hwy. 6 North, Ste. 200, Houston, Texas 77084.

Fr. Rick would like to extend his sincere appreciation to the many people who made his mother’s transition to life eternal so much easier, specifically, Cheryl Kendrick RN, Emily Parke LMSW, Kirk Gardner RN, Dr. Stan Kellar (the best pulmonary physician ever), the Encore Staff, The Apostolic Church and clergy, and all of those who visited her weekly and cooked such wonderful meals.

To the parish families at Cathedral of The Holy Spirit and The Reform Church of Galveston a very special thanks for allowing Fr. Rick the last month off to spend with Sandy. A special thanks to Carolyn Curson, Ellen Thacher, and Fr. Pete Estrada.

Fr. Rick also wishes to share his appreciation for the support and love that both he and his mother have received from his partner Bud Craig, who has been a rock and a source of strength.

Courtney Tolson also could never have the kindness that she has shown repaid. She has been a tremendous help daily.

Rick also publicly acknowledges and expresses his heartfelt love and appreciation for Paul Rowan for the gentleness, kindness, love, and respect that he has shown to Sandy over the past 21 years. Paul truly brought the deepest and most genuine happiness a person could experience to Sandy and her life. He is an example of what other men should strive to be.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on Saturday at 2:00 PM at Apostolic Church of North Little Rock, 4314 Landers Road. The Rev. Donnie Copeland will bring the Homily, The Rev. Dr. Rick Ward will bring the Eulogy, and Ruth Byrn will share a memorial tribute. Interment will follow at Edgewood Cemetery next to her mother.

Sandy will lie in state from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Friday, with the family receiving visitors from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Services have been entrusted to North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.northlittlerockfuneralhome.com