Anna La Faun Ward

Anna La Faun Ward was born March 4, 1934, in Amarillo, to Claude and Elsie

Rankin. She was the youngest of six children, and despite the difficulties of the Great Depression, her family provided her with the love and support she needed to grow and thrive. She was a 1952 graduate of Amarillo High School, where she sang in the choir.

On April 27, 1952, she eloped to Tucumcari, New Mexico, with James W. “Jack” Ward, alongside their dear friends Leroy and Jean Smallwood. The two couples remained close through the years and enjoyed 71 years of marriage. La Faun and Jack raised two sons together, David and Paul, who were a source of much pride and joy for them.

La Faun was a devout Christian who practiced her faith in her daily life. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir for many decades. In addition to her considerable talent as a singer and musician, she was a born organizer and leader. She taught children’s choirs for many years and rose to the position of children’s choir coordinator at First Baptist, a post she held for 27 years. During her time as coordinator, she spearheaded several Metro conventions, which brought together children’s choir coordinators from across the country, and she played an important role in helping to improve the teaching of children’s choirs everywhere. She and Jack also served as sponsors for multiple mission trips with the church’s Chapel Choir.

La Faun was an exceptional cook and served as hostess for many family dinners during the holidays. She was known especially for her cornbread and biscuit dressing and her remarkable pies, and her open arms and warm smile always made everyone feel welcome in her exquisitely appointed home. She was also an artist with a needle and thread, and her exquisite needlepoint renderings hold a place of honor in the homes of numerous family members and friends.

A woman of strength, compassion, and generosity, she was always available to help anyone who needed it, and her unlimited determination to serve others and her bottomless capacity for love will not be forgotten by all who were privileged to share in her life.

She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, Jack Ward; her two sons, Paul and David Ward; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Visitation with the family be from 5-6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.  Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church with Dr. Howard K. Batson officiating.  Burial was private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church of Amarillo.