Mother Annabelle "Nanny" Ballard

Mother Anna Belle Ballard, often called Mama, Mother Ballard, Nannie Annie, Prayer Warrior and Miss Annie Belle, journeyed to the Lord Jesus Christ on March 3, 2017. Her life was well lived in the light of Jesus Christ. She was born on November 18, 1927 to Harry Hannibal Haywood and Lorena Belle (Dimery) Haywood in Del Rio, Texas. Around the age 2, the family relocated to San Angelo, Texas, where Anna Belle attended Blackshear School and upon graduation received a Christian Scholarship to attend Mary Allen Collage in Crockett, Texas. She accepted Christ as her Savior at 9 years of age. She joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. D. Davis, and later years united with Bible Way Ministries, where she served for more than 20 years, and had the honor of being named the "Church Mother". She married Rev. Seth Thomas and to that union Sally and John Earl Thomas were born. As life continued, she later married John Henry Ballard and to that union Michael Anthony; Vavette Michelle, and Angela Rose were born. She was preceded in death by 2 children. Anna Belle lived on her own until her final illness in December 2016. Her life was rich and impacting to many and she never met a stranger. In November 2016, she vision honoring her family and the community by hosting two highly spirited musical programs bringing many to sing and praise God with her. Although Bible Way Ministries would have been celebrating her birthday, she preferred to celebrate others because she had a blessed life. Mother Ballard loved reading (especially her Bible), praying, gardening, sewing, quilting, helping others and bringing lost souls to Christ. At the time of life's transition, she was completing a beautiful quilt. Until well in her later years, she volunteered as a Senior Companion for elderly patients. She was a faithful member at her church and was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - Unit 6219, in San Angelo, Texas. She received Missionary License from Bible Way Ministries, Citizen of Year Award from The LeCorterie Society, Unsung Hero from St Paul Presbyterian Church and other awards. Her joy was serving others and praying to the Lord for strength and mercy. Her family lineage is connected to the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts in Brackettville, TX and her body will be laid to rest at the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts Cemetery. Her husband, parents, and brother Joe Haywood preceded her in death. She is survived by her 5 children Sally Ayana; John Earl Thomas; Michael Anthony Ballard; Vavette Michelle Ballard and Angela Rose Haywood; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Rose Mary Scott; Frances Faye Sykes; 2 brothers, Harry Haywood II and Charles Haywood SR.