The family of Joyce Helen Ward of Texarkana, AR announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
Some lives speak quietly; her is one such story.
Joyce held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith gave Joyce a place to stand, and a place to return to.
1935-2026
Joyce Helen Ragsdale Ward, 91, of Texarkana, AR, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. She had been under the loving care of her family, Windsor Cottage staff, and Dierksen Hospice.
Mrs. Ward was born on February 3, 1935, to James and Maude Ragsdale, in Mt. Valley, Arkansas. As a child, she delighted in finding creeks and mountains to explore with her brothers and sisters...something she never outgrew. Since childhood, Joyce was a faithful Christian and a member of Beech Street First Baptist Church after moving to Texarkana in 1967. She loved God, her family and friends, and the outdoors.
Joyce delighted in family gatherings. Nothing made her happier than to hear conversations, laughter, and games being played in the closeness of her home. She could feed a table full of people as easily as a few. Joyce also never met a full moon she didn't like. She would often ask one of her kids if they'd like to go watch the full moon. If she didn't have company, it didn't stop her from finding someplace remote that allowed the stars and moon to display their full glory. She kept a moon calendar stapled to a bedroom door so that she would stay informed about its different phases.
In addition to these hobbies, somehow Joyce also found the time to be creative by gardening and painting. She loved native Arkansas plants and was successful in knowing how to transplant bulbs, flowers, and vegetables. Her home was decorated by artwork that she had done herself, but also work that her family had created, usually at her living room table.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Ward, and youngest daughter, Rachael Ward Talley. Joyce and Leon had five children: Craig (Kim), Mark (Kathy), Alisa (Delbert) Dowdy, Scott, and Rachael (Toby) Talley. Also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren: Nick (Amanda) Ward, Brian Ward, Shane Ward, Matthew Ward, Rebecca Ward, Michael (Maggie) Dowdy, Jacob Dowdy, Randy (Carley) Ward, Jessica (Ben) Vela, Austin (Emilee) Ward, Peyton Ward, Trace (MaryAnn) Talley, and Sophie (Chris) Bryan. As well as beloved great grandchildren: Jenna Ward, Jaxon Matthews, Addie Ward, Alex Ward, Marin Ward, Emma Dowdy, Axel Dowdy, Raelyn Ward, and Nathan Ward.
Celebration of Life services, under the direction of Texarkana Arkansas Funeral Home, will be held on Friday, May 29th at 2:00 PM at Beech Street First Baptist Church, located at 601 Beech St., Texarkana, Arkansas. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.
Register online at https://www.texarkanafuneralhome.com
