Shirley Townsend Ward

Shirley T. Ward, a devoted mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God, peacefully entered eternal rest on November 20, 2025 at the age of 87. A lifelong resident of Houma, Louisiana, she was born on April 30, 1938, to the late Mildred and Mack Townsend.

Raised with love and care by her maternal grandparents, Charlie and Amy Allen, Shirley grew up surrounded by faith, family, and community—values that shaped the woman she became. She was educated at Southdown High School and later built a long and meaningful career as a dietician at Terrebonne General Medical Center, where she dutifully served others for over 30 years.

Shirley—affectionately known as Mame to her children and grandchildren—was united in marriage to the late Roosevelt Ward in 1963. Together, they raised six children: Sheila, Aaron, Frederick, Eileen, Michael, and Christa. Mame’s love for her family was unwavering and, as such, when called upon, she willingly helped raise several of her grandchildren, sharing with them the same strength and wisdom that had been poured into her.

A steadfast member of St. Luke Baptist Church, Shirley was baptized at an early age and remained active in her faith throughout her life. She faithfully served as an usher for more than 40 years. Shirley later joined the Deaconess Board before being ultimately honored as Mother of the Church—an acknowledgment of her wisdom, faith, and devotion to service.

Known for her quiet strength and stern but loving guidance, Shirley was the heart of her family and a source of encouragement to all who knew her. She loved spending time on the bayou with her children and grandchildren, especially fishing—a pastime she cherished so much that she celebrated her 85th birthday out on the water fishing, laughing, and surrounded by family. Shirley’s delight in the simple pleasures of life extended to her time spent at Shady Acres Senior Center, where she discovered a new passion for art, learning to paint and making ceramics as she forged new friendships that enriched her life.

Shirley was also an avid New Orleans Saints fan—loyal even through the brown-bag days—and she rarely missed cheering for her beloved team on Sunday afternoons. And no one who really knew her could imagine her days without The Young and the Restless. Shirley faithfully tuned in every weekday, living life through Victor and Nikki Newman!!

Well done, good and faithful servant… Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Stanley (Debbie) Lyons; three daughters, Sheila (Terry) Townsend, Eileen (Mickel) Manuel, and Christa Ward; ten grandchildren—Eboni (Jonathan) Rose, Shantelle Townsend, Frederick Ward Jr., Kasie Ward, Allana Ward, Christopher Manuel, Meche (Devance) Ball, Taylor Eschete, Mitay Brown, and Madison Ward; fourteen great-grandchildren; and lifelong friends, Mrs. Mary Ann, Mrs. Dolores Picou Smith and Mrs. Irma Brown.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Mack Townsend; husband, Roosevelt Ward; sons, Aaron Ward, Michael Ward, and Frederick Ward; grandson, Terry Townsend; and great-grandson, Christian Hollinger.

Shirley’s faith, strength, and love leave an indelible mark on everyone blessed to know her. Though she has gone to be with the Lord, her presence will forever live in the hearts of her family and friends, who are comforted in knowing that she lived out the words of Micah 6:8:

“…to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labor, for their deeds follow them." — Revelation 14:13

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at St. Luke Baptist Church, located at 3755 Bayou Black Dr, Houma, LA 70360. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at St. Luke Baptist Church Cemetery.