Etta Dean (Johnson) Ward

Etta Johnson Ward was born September 7, 1943 in Monroe, LA to the late Van Buren Johnson and Rosa Lee Johnson of Corey, LA. She was the eighth of ten children.
Etta was united in marriage to the “Love of Her Life”: the late Jessie Curtis Ward on April 10, 1964. To this union, one son, Mark Edwards Ward was born.

Etta was baptized at an early age at the Union Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. A. T. White. She was active in the Church Choir and Sunday school. Etta later moved to Los Angeles, CA and joined the Welcome Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J. W. Brown. She was an active choir member until she retired and moved back to Bosco, LA. There, she reunited with Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John L. Perry. Etta remained active in the Sunday school and choir until her health begin to fail.

Etta attended and graduated from Union Central School in Caldwell Parish. It was there she and her twin sister, Emma played basketball. They were viewed as “Power Players” and was referred to as “The Best Guards to ever play for Union Central” by their Math Teacher, Mr. Wilberforce Mosley.

While in Los Angeles, Etta attended Compton Community College and earned a license in Respiratory Therapy. Etta went on to work for the United States Postal Service. After twenty-eight years of service, Etta retired and move back to Corey, LA.

Etta had a heart of gold. Her devotion to family and friends was epic. They never had to worry about whether or not they would have a place to sleep when visiting Johnson Road, her doors were always open. She was a selfless and giving person. If she had it, it was yours for the asking. Her kindness will always be remembered.

Etta gained her wings on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at the Willis Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport, LA.

Etta leaves to cherish fond memories: her beloved son, Mark (Alana) Ward of Compton, CA; six grandchildren, Marque, Marshay, Monet, Marquis, Matthew and Ariana; two great-grandchildren, Marque Jakob and Malanie of Compton CA; three sisters, Claudette Green (Melvin) and Emma Sherman of Corey, LA, and Rita Wynn of Matteson, IL, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by parents: Van Buren and Rosa Johnson; husband, Jesse Ward; four sisters, Velma Dangerfield, Ruth Gayle McCarty, Alynne Compton and Roxie Johnson; two brothers, Fred and Donald Johnson and brothers-in-law; Earnest Lee Sherman, Willie Compton, Maxie James McCarty, and John Wynn.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Etta Dean (Johnson) Ward, please visit our floral store.