Emma Clark Ward, 28, born October 18, 1994, died Wednesday, March 15, 2023 surrounded by her family. Emma was beautiful inside and out. She was a fierce friend and always wanted to help those in need. A beautiful human being, a light and life to all who knew her, with perhaps just a hint of sass.
She was born to H. Clay Ward III and Alison Paige Ellender Ward, the second of their active family of five. Emma began preschool at Trinity Baptist Church, attended Pre K – 8th grade at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School, attended St. Louis Catholic High School and graduated Parkview Christian School in Sulphur. She loved dance and danced competitively for many years. Emma lived and worked in New Orleans for many years. She loved the city and the friends she made there. She returned to Lake Charles to raise her daughter Josie surrounded by family and friends. Emma was a wonderful mom who loved her daughter.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Josie Clark Ward; parents, H. Clay Ward III and Alison Paige Ellender Ward; sisters, Camille, Madeline and Olivia; brother Will; nephew, Lawson; niece, Arya; grandparents, Kay Ward and Al and Betty Ellender; her very dear friend, Christian Scaffidi; numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins, extended family; and a veritable army of people who loved her.
Emma is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Darrell Clark Ward, her maternal great grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ellender and Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur H. J. Laumann all of Lake Charles.
The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 12:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be immediately following at Consolata Cemetery. The Rev. Jace Eskind with St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church will be officiating at the services.
We are heartbroken but rest in knowing she is at peace in the presence of God. We will miss her smile and beautiful spirit until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers or if you prefer donations may be made to Saint Jude’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate or Partnership to End Addiction at www.drugfree.org/donate.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Ward family.