Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

James Ward Family

The James L. Ward family gathered together 70 members strong on Saturday, June 5, at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall in Prescott.

The Ward family feasted on appetizers of pork ribs hot off the grill, followed by a bountiful potluck lunch. Following the meal Everett Ward gave a fascinating short biographical sketch and household history of James L. Ward's wife, Mattie Zorah Vaughn Ward. Everett's story and memories from other family members showcased Mrs. Ward's role as the cornerstone of this large family. Mrs. Ward left her children and their heirs a heritage strong in work ethics, kindness, practicality and good will.

Family members attending the reunion from out of state were Gertrude Firmin's grandchildren, Cindy and Dale Knighton, and their children, Lauryn and Blake David and Josh, Seth and Dylan Knighton, all of Sulphur, La. Marylyn Bussell of Shreveport, La., attended the reunion with Kay Beaver of Fordyce.

Billy and Ollie Fae Skinner of North Little Rock were in attendance as were their daughter and son in-law, Amelia and John Eldridge, of Fayetteville. The Skinner's daughter, Shelly Ussery, her husband, Kevin, and children, Ashlyn and Brandon, of North Little Rock also attended.

Faye and Harold Allison and their grandchildren, Josh and Cody Guess; Nadine Ward; and Tommy and Mary Linda Ward attended from Little Rock. Tommy and Mary Linda's daughter, Tamara Ward, of Fayetteville attended the reunion as well.

Everett and Anice Ward's daughter, Susan Ward Jackson, of Hot Springs, attended with her son Hunter Jackson.

James and Pat Ward of Alexander attended as did their daughter, Teresa Forner, from Benton, with her husband, Tom, and their children, Drew, Michael and Brittany Forner.

George and Margaret Ivey's daughter, Martha Smith, of Texarkana attended with her daughter, Holly Smith.

Kevin and Jonell Ward of Hope attended with their son, Nicholas Ward.

Ralph 'Son' Phillips from Blevins was able to attend this year's event as did Thomas McKinnon of Prescott.

Other family members attending from Prescott were June Ward with her sister Frances Marbury; June's daughter, Pam Caudell, and Pam's grandson, Calob Adams; Elizabeth Crain; Gertrude Firmin with Sue Thomson; George and Margaret Ivey; Jim and Bobbie Miner; Dorothy Ward; Dale and Ruth E. Ward; Ned and Karen Ward with their children, Casey and Chelsie Ward; Nicky and Loretta Ward; Everett and Anice Ward; J. L. and Sue Ward; Tommy and Dianne Wolfe with their daughter, Chesley Wolfe; and P.H. and Mary Ward.