"Lu" Ward

Lula Naomi Wilson Ward, 71, of Beebe, Arkansas, went home to be with Jesus on August 31st, after being diagnosed with lung cancer in March.

Lu moved to Beebe several years ago to be closer to extended family as she was the primary care giver of her mother, whose health was declining. She loved being close to family. There were many nights spent playing cards, dominoes, and board games with family and friends. She loved working outside, and transformed her bare yard into a thing of beauty. She also enjoyed traveling to see family and friends, and writing books (although she had yet to publish one). Because of her mom's health, they were unable to attend church physically, so Sunday mornings were spent in the office around the computer watching Lu's home church (newhopechurch.tv) in Texas, along with other favorites: flatironschurch.com in Colorado; life.church in Oklahoma, and newlifechurch.tv in Cabot, which Lu attended when she was able. She worked for a short time at Lowes and Knights, but spent her last years working at the Beebe 3rd & 4th grade cafeteria.

Before moving to Beebe, Lu lived in Houston, Texas. She loved Texas and had a bumper sticker that said, "I'm not from Texas, but I got here as fast as I could." She worked for Harold Farb Apartment Homes for many years. She loved her job, as well as apartment living, being close to the beach, her cowboy boots and truck, which was noticeable around town - "Silly boys, trucks are for girls."

She loved people, and spent her life lovingly sacrificing for many. Numerous times she quit her job and moved to care for those who needed her - her son in Texas, her father in Mountain View, Arkansas, as well as her mother. She had a great trust in God's provision for her, so was fearless. Selling and giving away her things; finding new jobs, homes, friends, and churches never intimidated her. So here, as well as wherever she lived, she has many people who love her. This was evidenced to her family during this past month as about 80 people have dropped by to visit her, some repeatedly. About 40 people showed up to celebrate her birthday with only a 2 day notice. When family saw the outpouring of love and care, we understood why she wanted to come home.

She is survived by her 3 children: Michael Len Ward in Texas; (Robert/Bob) and Lori Denise Ward Watson in Alaska; and David Layne and (Stacey) Ward in Texas; a sister: (Patrick/Pat) and Theresa Wilson Forbes in Minnesota; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: Serena Ward Paquette and son, Dominick; Nickolas and (Christina) Watson and sons, Tycer and Tucker; Katelyn Watson; (Lukas) and Sydney Watson Gonzalez ; Anthony Zermeno; Isaac Zermeno; Isabella Zermeno; James Ward; and Grace Ward, as well as many family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: William Stanley and Iva Rorie Wilson; Betty Lou Wilson Kelley Kerschensteiner; and William Ralph Wilson, as well as grandparents and many in her extended family.

To honor her love for books and writing, you may make a contribution in her name to the Goff Public Library in Beebe. She also loved flowers, so if you prefer, they may be sent to Smith Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe for the memorial service on Saturday, September 3rd, at 3:00 p.m. A 2 hour visitation will follow.

At the memorial service we want to celebrate her life, so a time of sharing memories will be offered to those attending. You may also write down your stories on "memory cards" provided. Please let us know if you would like to speak during the service. If you are unable to attend the memorial service, but would like to share a memory, please Facebook message someone in her family.

Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home.