Viola Ward

Viola Ward, affectionately called “Vi”, was born on May 20, 1940, to the late Bro. Henry Ward and Sis Rhoda Ward.  She was the third of six children.  Viola Ward was born in York, Alabama and later moved to Bessemer, Alabama.  She attended Dunbar High School and after graduation, matriculated to Booker T. Washington Business School. Viola was employed by the Social Security Administration for 38 years when she retired in 2005.  Viola was an active member of Beulah Baptist Church and served on several committees and worked closely with the scholarship and youth department.  Viola was active with the Dunbar-Abrams alumni and worked closely with her sister Amelia on several committees.   Viola loved visiting her family, especially her sister and three brothers in New York, Amelia, Albert, Henry and Washington.  She also visited her sister Bessie in Detroit.  Viola liked to shop in New York and loved shoes.  Viola loved gospel music but when she was out of church, she loved the Temptations.  She also loved University of Alabama Crimson Tide.  She and her brother Henry would often debate about Coach Nick Saban and his performance.  She had a great sense of humor and all of her nieces and nephews loved her.  She was patient, kind, very generous and loving. Viola didn’t have her own children but she helped raise her two favorite nieces, Rhotunja and Stacy Ward.  In later years, Stacy stuck by Viola’s side and became her caregiver.  Viola was preceded by her parents and four siblings, Amelia, Albert, Bessie and Washington.  She leaves behind to cherish beautiful memories:  Her brothers Henry (Janice) and Felix Feagins. Her nieces and nephews: Gerald (Bessemer),  Curtrise (Keith) Garner-King of Detroit, Curtis  (Shonda) Garner of Louisville, Ky.; Malik Ward (Bronx, N.Y.); Rhotunja and Stacy Ward and Monica Yarbrough (Bessemer); Ahmad Ward (Bronx, N.Y.); Omari Ward (Atlanta); Darius (Zing) Ward (Bowie, MD); seven great nieces and four great nephews, one aunt, a host of cousins and friends and the Beaulah family. Viola could always find an encouraging word from the Bible.  One of her favorite sayings was that God was nailed to the cross, he never cried or complained.  Viola often said that no matter what she faced, she wouldn’t complain.  Viola Ward has her wings and her crown has jewels.  She will be missed by all that loved her.