Lee Ann Ward

Lee Ann Ward
Vero Beach, FL

Lee Ann Ward, 80, passed away on October 15, 2022, with her family by her side in Vero Beach, FL. Devoted mama, loving Gran, dearest friend, and faithful Catholic. She was born on April 22, 1942, in Rogers, Arkansas to Dr. Lee Andrew and Mary Jane Dean.

Lee Ann grew up in Rogers, Arkansas, married William Frank Ward in 1964 and moved to Ft. Pierce, Florida with her family in 1973. A dedicated wife, their relationship and adoring family stood the test of time while at the same time created a circle full of love, prayer, resilience, learning, laughter, kindness, caring and gratitude.

Lee Ann was a kind, gentle, and patient woman who was always there to comfort and console others in times of trouble. Those who knew her would say she was an angel on earth. She was meticulous and scrupulous with planning and presenting events. She kept everyone on the right track and on the right path, with helpful reminders from an elephant-like memory and wisdom paired with keen observation. She had a love for cooking, painting, woodwork, road trips, songbirds, and of pastoral lands. She always went out of her way to provide anyone a belly full of food and put a smile on their face. She was exemplary friend and the very embodiment of family. Lee Ann always put her family first and loved reminiscing, cherishing every memory with Frank, Frankie, Paige, and Jacob.

Lee Ann’s strong Catholic faith acted as a guiding light for her life. She was a positive, supportive model to those around her by overcoming adversity throughout life. Lee Ann was an active member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ft. Pierce, FL and St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, Fl. Her belief in God and the promise that we have an everlasting home in heaven brought her peace and comfort in her final days.

Lee Ann was preceded in death by her son, William Frank Ward, III and her husband, William Frank Ward.

Lee Ann is survived by her daughter, Paige Ward Jerome; grandson, Jacob Andrew Smith both of Vero Beach, Florida; sisters, Marilyn Lanford and Ginger Scruggs of Little Rock, AR, Helen Jane Dean of Maumelle, AR, and Bobby Chris Dean of Conway, AR.

Services: Visitation will be held Friday, October 21st from 10 – 10:45 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, Fort Pierce with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church. A reception will follow at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce, Florida.

Burial will follow at St. Vincent's Catholic Cemetery in Rogers, Arkansas. Lee Ann will be buried alongside her Husband, William Frank Ward and son, William Frank Ward III as well as her brother-in-law, parents, and grandparents.