Helen Juanita Ward

“Heaven just gained a brand-new star.” Helen Juanita Bragg was born on March 16, 1934 in Richlands, VA to the late Roy McKinley and Mattie Ruth Jackson Bragg. Helen lived in Oakwood, VA, formerly in Jewell Valley, VA. She was a graduate of Richlands High School and attended Pikeville College and SWVC. At an early age, she was taken to church by her special “Granny”, Molly Addison Jackson. There she developed a Christian faith that would sustain her over eight decades. Giving her strength, a gentle spirit and great joy. For thirteen years, she was part of the “Words of Victory” broadcast on a Richlands Radio Station. She enjoyed listening and singing gospel music. For several years, she was employed by the Buchanan County School Board and later in life by the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens. Helen enjoyed traveling, beach trips, going to the Smokies, especially during Christmas to see the lights. Day trips out to eat, shopping and just sightseeing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of the life and the father of her children, Clyde James Ward; her beloved son, Roy “Horse” Ward; stepson, Tommy Ward; and step grandson, Ricky Ward; sister, Bonnie Tjaden Meade; brothers, Roy Bragg, Jr., Billy Bragg, and Bobby Bragg; two infant brothers; and brothers-in-law, Granville Tjaden and Donald Booth. She is survived by: Her Loving Daughter, Ruth Hall and her husband, Rick, with whom she made her home Sons: Kenneth “Fuzzy” Ward Ralph Ward and wife, Lisa Sisters: Betty Deel and husband, Russell Evelyn Booth Brothers: John Bragg and wife, Alma J.J. Bragg and wife, Diana Stepsons: Jim Ward and wife, Rita Clyde Ward, Jr. and wife, Irene Grandchildren: Ashley and Brad Ward, who spent a lot of time with her as they were growing up and have remained close, Troy, Kenneth, Jerry, Timothy, Zack, Josh, Jacob, Jed, and Sarah Step Grandchildren: Lesa, Jamie, and Jessica Great Grandchildren: Sawyer, Cayson, Levi, Piper, Tyger, Adeline, Austin, T.J., Jaxson, and Mason Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family wishes to thank Legacy Hospice of Richlands and all the staff that came to the home for the special care and compassion and allowing Helen’s wishes of spending her last days at home. Due to Covid, Helen requested a graveside service. Graveside services for Helen Juanita Ward will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 19, 2022 at the Knob Cemetery, on Pea Patch, near Jewell Ridge, VA with Rev. Monte Elswick officiating. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Archie White, Rusty Deel, Rev. Bruce Mitchell, Rev. Shawn Rife, Rev. Todd Rife. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Helen Juanita Ward

March 16, 1934 - September 15, 2022