Sharon Kaye Ward

Sharon Kaye Ward, 80, former longtime Arbyrd, Mo., resident and widow of Jerry Wayne Ward, passed from this life Oct. 24, 2023, at her home in Osceola. Born in Cardwell to the late Raymond and Mildred Pegg Dixon, she was raised in Alexander and was a longtime Arbyrd resident. She had worked as an Avon representative for many years and had previously worked at Senath Nursing Home, Arlee Pillow Factory and Brown Shoe Factory. Sharon was of the Pentecostal faith and enjoyed gardening and taking care of others. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jason Troy Ward; a daughter, Gloria Janiece Ward; two great-grandchildren, Havyn Cook and BrieghLynn Vega; a brother, Thomas Dixon; a sister, Freida Mae Bryant; and a sister-in-law, Linda Dixon.

Survivors include one daughter, Tamra Maxwell (Anthony) of Osceola; one sister, Barbara Damon of Paragould. Sharon also leaves four grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and a beloved friend, Karen Clark, whom she thought of as a sister.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Reverend Adam Coffel officiating. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers will be Paul Weiss, Robert Maxwell, Gloria Cook, Bruce Owens, Stephen Gilliam and ChrissAnna Maxwell. The family will receive visitors Friday afternoon from noon until service time at the funeral home. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.