A lifelong Yazooan and former emergency management director Joey Ward passed away this week as the community remembers his caring spirit and dedication to his fellow man.
With a career in the medical field, along with tenure at the Mississippi Department of Health and with Yazoo County, Ward is remembered as a true servant to his family, friends, career and community. Moments after his passing, heartfelt tributes began circulating on social media that serve as a testament of his character.
“He was a good medic, a good friend and a good man.”
“I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be the medic I am today.”
“Joey would always text or message me anytime severe weather was heading our way. He was genuinely one of the purest souls around.”
“Joey was the type who always had something to say, serious of funny.”
“Joey was a once-in-a-lifetime person.”
“You loved hard. You fought hard.”
Ward was involved with the music ministry at his church, Southside Baptist Church in Yazoo City. Having received a kidney transplant in 2009, he also spoke with The Herald to share his faith testimony and to spread awareness of organ donation.
“I am an organ donor,” he said, in the 2009 interview. “I am willing to give the gift of life to someone else.”
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 16, with a visitation at 1 p.m. and the services at 2 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Center Ridge Baptist Church.
And with his final post on social media, Ward’s memory lives with the many people he touched, the many laughs he created and the incredible moments he left behind.
“…I still feel strongly that some part of me has been healed. I don't know what has been healed, but I claim this gift of healing and that you will join me in claiming this healing in whatever form it has come into me and the peace that it has brought to me. I love you and thank God for the gift he has delivered to me tonight. Please pray God's will be done through my simple life.”
