Patricia Ann Dearing Ward

On December 11, 2020, Patricia Ann Dearing Ward gained her wings. She was born to Auffie Lee and Minnie V. Dearing on March 10, 1939. Known as Momma, Nana, Aunt Pat, and friend, she leaves a legacy of grace and love to everyone who had the distinct pleasure of meeting her. Patricia was a mother and wife first, but ultimately extended care to those in need as a nurse. Her love and patience provided comfort and dignity to family, friends, patients, and strangers. Her love and care knew no bounds, and passed on to her children, grandchildren, and will live on through them for generations to come. Patricia grew up in Arkansas and Tennessee. As young lady dated the late Sunset Carson and enjoyed a private party or two as a teenager with Elvis Presley. She was instrumental at the Louisiana Hayride promoting Johnny Cash. She was an avid music lover and was filled with stories from a time when gospel was merging with country and rock ‘n’ roll. Pat was always adding to her collection of books. When she was not caring for others and cooking for her army of a family, she enjoyed peacefully reading any piece of literature she could come by. Her love of knowledge and family made her the go to historian for our family. Patricia has joined her late husband, James Ward, Sr.; her parents, Auffie Lee and Minnie V. Dearing; brothers, Billy Dearing and Edward Dearing; sister, Frances Wilson; daughter, Janet Stewart; great grandsons, Andrew Derosia and Michael Stewart. She leaves behind her sister, Glenda Parks (Wayne) of Drew, MS; children, Roxy Saucier, of Saucier, MS, James Ward, Jr. (Renee) of Yazoo City, MS, Tambra Winters of Gulfport and Cheryl Lowman (Robert) of Pass Christian; as well as her grandchildren, Ann Barton, Krista Salazar (Mario), Lori Beth Stewart (Timothy), Heidi Guttery, Jancsi Roney (Brandon), Jordan Ward (Kim), Mary Kate Nash (Taylor), Samantha Beckham (Larry), Justin Winters, Crystal Winters, Brian Lowman (Kandace), Brittany McDonald. Additionally, she leaves behind her 30.5 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and friends. Funeral service will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road in Gulfport on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. Friends are invited to visit from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ward family.