Mary Ward

MARY LOUISE THOMPSON WARD died as she lived, with dignity and grace, on January 19, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Independence County to J.T. and Ruby Robertson. Mary Louise and her first husband, Harrell Thompson (known affectionately as Da by his grandchildren), were active home builders for decades in North Little Rock and the surrounding area. She and her daughter, Cindy Staley, owned and operated The English Antiques Gallery for more than 25 years.

Following the death of Harrell, she married Judge John Ward in 2002, and they enjoyed 14 wonderful years together. He was actively involved with the Gideons ministry as International Chaplain. During the first two years of marriage, they traveled to 27 states where she participated in leadership conferences and Bible distributions.

Mary Louise was a long-time member of Park Hill Baptist Church where she served on various committees. She was an active board member of the Baptist Health Foundation serving the needs of the hospitals and nursing school.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Harrell Thompson, and a brother Thomas Roberston (Sue). She is survived by her husband, Judge John C. Ward; her daughter, Cindy Staley (Tom) of Little Rock; sisters Verna Mathis (Ray) of Hot Springs and Carol Sells (Paul) of Stuttgart; grandsons Brad Staley (Chrissie) and Jay Staley (Margaret) of Little Rock; beloved niece Stephanie Monroe (Chris) of Little Rock; step-son Jeff Ward of New York City; step-daughters Wendy Mara (Steve) of North Little Rock and Kerry Baxter (Chris) of Cabot, and their children and grandchildren.

A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:30 a.m., preceded by a visitation with the family from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The North Little Rock Gideons Camp will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Park Hill Baptist Church, 200 East C. Street, North Little Rock, AR 72116; Baptist Heath Foundation, 9601 Baptist Health Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205; or Gideons International P.O. Box 1022, North Little Rock, AR 72115.

Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com .