Willie Dean Ward

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Willie Dean "Deana" Ward, 59, of Manila died on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, at her residence after a brief illness. Born Oct. 13, 1948, in Luxora to the late Marvin Henry Walker and Annie Barnett Walker, Ms. Ward was a life long area residence of Mississippi County, a member of the First Assembly of God Church, Manila, homemaker and an avid gardener.

Survivors include four daughters, Vickie Stull and husband Benny of Monette, Beth Tomblin of Leachville, Karen Thomas and husband Kenny of Hardy, Billie Jo Sutterfield and husband Tony of Mountain Home; companion of eight years, Donald Benham of Manila; three brothers: Farion Walker of Walnut Ridge, Johnny Walker of Walnut Ridge, Dan Walker of Jonesboro; a sister, Christine Shelton of Jonesboro; 12 grandchildren, Joey Thomas, Brad Thomas, Kenny Thomas, Jr., Justin Stull, Jessica Stull, Curston Davis, Emily Davis, Gauge Davis, Cindy Tomblin, David Shumate, Shayne Tomblin, Beverly Shumate; four step-grandchildren, Anthony Stull, Cassady Sutterfield, Sherry McGowan, Jennifer Stull; four step-great-grandchildren, Haven McGowan, Skyler McGowan, Addison Goans and Kaylee Yates.

Ms. Ward was preceded in death by her husband, Billy V. Ward; her parents; a grandson, Kevin Lambert; two sisters, Margaret Jones and Shelia Athey; two brothers, Rocky Walker and Marvin "Buddy" Walker.

Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at the First Assembly of God Church, Manila, with Rev. James Chipman officiating. Burial followed at Dogwood Cemetery in Blytheville. Faith Funeral Service of Manila was in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Justin Stull, Anthony Stull, Michael Davis, Bobby Benham, Bradley Thomas, Michael Thomas, and Kenny Thomas, Sr.

Honorary Pallbearers were David Shumate and Joey Thomas.