On Friday, May 26, 2023, Patty Jean Ward passed away peacefully in Helena, Arkansas at the age of 85.

Patty was born on April 20, 1938 in Scotts Hill, Tennessee.   She grew up in a loving home with her brother, Joe and sister, Claudette.  She met and married George Ward, Jr. and the two settled down in West Helena, Arkansas, attending church at Twin City Church of Christ.

After graduating college with her associate degree, Patty worked as a cosmetologist for several years before eventually becoming the head librarian of the Helena-West Helena Public Library.

Patty was a huge sports fan.  Her favorite teams were the Arkansas Razorbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals.  She could be found many an afternoon cheering on her beloved Hogs and Cards.

Patty leaves behind to cherish her memory two sons, George C. Ward, III of Reno, Nevada and Kerry P. Ward (Laura) of Lincoln, Arkansas; daughter, Melinda Szathnasy (Lazlo); ten grandchildren; and her sister, Claudette Haynes (Willie) of Southbend, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cletus and Opal Woody, husband, George C. Ward Jr., and her brother, Joe Garner.

A memorial service for Patty will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend a grateful thank you to Sheila Hardison and the staff at Crestpark Nursing Home in Helena.