Brenda Elizabeth Ward

Brenda Elizabeth (Beth) Parker Ward passed away with family surrounding her on Saturday morning February 15, 2025 at the young age of 66 after experiencing a Type A Aortic Dissection following a beautiful evening celebrating live music with her husband and close friends.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Eaph Parker and Mary Ball Parker; her brother, Bim Parker, and sister, Pat Thomas.

Beth is survived by her loving husband, Gordon Ward; nurturing children: Josh Ward, Maribeth Francis (husband Kyle), and Parker Ward; adoring grandchildren: Sawyer and Harper Ward (Josh), and Asha, Isaiah, and Tabor Francis (Maribeth); resilient siblings: Dot Shepherd (Jerry), Tom Parker (Linda), Nancy Stowe (Larry), Bo Parker (JoAnn), Timmy Thomas and Donna Parker; and an abundance of beautiful nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.

Beth was born on January 27, 1959 in Monroe, GA, the youngest of 7 children.

She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, teacher, friend and child of God. The love she shared in all of her many roles was deep, pure and rich. Everyone who encountered her, even if only for a moment, felt the abundance of her love.

Beth was happiest when she was with her family and friends, but she was almost as happy while in her garden. She found delight in nurturing the soil, seeds and plants, and watching life emerge from the earth. Some of her favorite moments with God were when she was gardening. She loved finding metaphorical meaning between God’s word and life.

Beth loved to write. Her written words were beautiful and poetic because they came from a deep and pure well of life - her heart. She wrote multiple poems, short stories, and songs. She also published an autobiography in late 2024 specifically for her kids and grandkids.

Beth loved to teach. She taught at Alabama Christian Academy for 20 years, only retiring to care for her grandchildren. She continued to teach, in a non-paid role, for the rest of her life.

Beth was an active member of Vaughn Park Church of Christ and enjoyed serving in many ways. She was her happiest being in service to others, often cited as "the kindest and most selfless person I know."

Beth always enjoyed planting herbs and flowers in the ground more than any bouquet. In lieu of flowers, Beth’s family is requesting that you plant seeds of love by making donations to Agape of Central Alabama or your charity of choice.

Beth’s Celebration of Life will be on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Vaughn Park Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 10AM - 12:30PM (CST). The funeral service will be at 1:00PM and the graveside ceremony will follow at Alabama Heritage Cemetery.