Brent Alan Ward

Brent Alan Ward was born to Jamyee Janiece Vaughn and Charles Larry Ward on June 16, 1964 in Houston, Texas. After graduating from Tomball High School in 1982, Brent attended Houston Baptist University where he studied Music Composition and received a Bachelor's Degree in 1988. Additionally, he attended The University of Houston and received a Master’s degree in Music Composition in 1994.

Shirley Kim Gor Ward was born to Liu Kam Gor and Robert Fong-Sun Gor, Sr. on September 20, 1962 in Houston, Texas. Shirley graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, Texas in 1981. She then attended Houston Baptist University where she studied English and Mathematics, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in both in 1986. Additionally, she attended The University of Houston and received a Master’s Degree in Education in 1995.

Brent and Shirley met shortly after their time at HBU and connected over their shared love for music, laughter, and the Lord. They married on July 29, 1989, and over time, their family grew to include their three beautiful children, Luke Fong-Sun, Lei-leen Esther, and Levi Wah-Sun Ward.

Brent was very active in the music industry; playing gigs, leading worship, directing band, and producing projects. Brent’s patience, empathy, and dedication made him an excellent educator, teaching students from Elementary to College. He owned Eklekto’s Studios, where he gave private lessons to students in the Houston area. His current position was as band director at Westbury Christian School. As Brent was inspiring hundreds of students through his love of music, Shirley was teaching her students one of her passions, mathematics.

Shirley’s second love from her family was the education system. Her quick wit, devotion to her students, and enthusiasm for mathematics education made her a joy to work with. Shirley was with HISD for 35 years as a teacher and a curriculum specialist. Even after retirement, she went to work with Brent at Westbury Christian School. Shirley supported and cared not only for her family and friends, but for the children she loved and sponsored all over the world.

During Brent and Shirley’s 32 years of marriage, they were inseparable. Their favorite pastimes were going on adventures with their children and sharing their passions with others. Brent and Shirley’s love for their family was powerful and everlasting. They encouraged their childrens’ interests and supported all their endeavors. Brent and Shirley’s relationship was characterized by honor, admiration, and devotion to God. They were most definitely two peas in a pod.

Brent is survived by his three children, Luke Fong-Sun Ward, Lei-leen Esther Ward, and Levi Wah-Sun Ward. His mother, Jamyee J. Vaughn, his father, Charles L. Ward, and his sister, Tammy L. Hellberg.

Shirley is survived also, by her three children, Luke, Lei-leen and Levi. Her mother, Liu Kam Gor, her sisters Jane G. Stephens, Dollie A. Louie and her brothers, Robert F-S. Gor, Jr., Thomas W. Gor, and Rui S Ao.

Visitation with the family began at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Bethel Church of Houston, 825 Bering Drive in Houston, Texas, where a Celebration of Life Service, led by Pastor Wayne Smith, began at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services and interment followed at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, also in Houston.