Myra Ann Ward

Myra Ann Joiner Ward of Huntsville, Texas, formerly of Normangee and Houston, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on February 16, 2017. She was born June 30, 1930, in the Center Valley community of Sebastian County, Arkansas, to the late Fred Lawrence Joiner and Esther Marie (Jones) Joiner. Myra graduated from Greenwood High School in 1948, then attended Fort Smith Junior College. She married the love of her life Fred Ward in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1952. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who touched everyone she met with her infectious smile, lovely and gentle spirit, and kind and encouraging words. She had a special place in her heart for animals, taking in any stray dog or cat in need and often spending more time fixing meals for her pets than for herself. She loved to read, especially the Bible and Bible study books, and was an active member in the churches she attended, most recently the North Madison Church of Christ in Madisonville, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Ward, and a sister, Maxine Joiner DeBoer of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son Steve Ward and wife Margaret of Huntsville, Texas; her son David Ward and wife Priscilla of Bastrop, Texas; her daughter Wendy Ward Lair and husband Craig of Little Rock, Arkansas; six grandchildren Sarah Ward King (James), Caitlin Ward, Nicholas Ward, Brandon Pugel (Elizabeth), Cooper Lair, and Sophie Lair; and three great-grandchildren Jayden Pugel, J.J. King and Abigail King. She is also survived by her brother Vernon Joiner of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and her sisters Norma Joiner Heydenreich of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Mavis Joiner Kennedy of La Palma, California. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 20, 2017, with the family receiving friends at 10:00 AM, in the chapel of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood, Arkansas. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association or to the Recycled Pomeranians and Schipperkes Rescue of Garland, Texas.

Myra Ann Ward

June 30, 1930 - February 16, 2017