Bessie Mae (Brown) Ward, 63, of Lancaster, PA went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at LGH. Born March 23, 1948 in Jasper, FL. She was a daughter of the late Edmund Brown and Rosalee (Robinson/Roberson) Cole. She is survived by her husband, Walter Ward, Jr., of Lancaster.

Mrs. Ward attended Brightside Baptist Church and Mt. Carmel Church of the Living God. She enjoyed gardening, decorating, cooking, baking and traveling. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by 8 daughters: Tina Lee Howze-Hernandez, wife of Victor, Lisa Marie Howze-Koroma, wife of Charles Dura Koroma, Trina Mae Howze, Mary Jenks, wife of Raymond Jenks Sr., Rev. Dr. Rosa Lee Stanford, Pastor wife of Ole Stanford, Doris Ann Wood, wife of the late Veteran Kendall Wood, Bessie Mae Ward, Emma Mae Ward, fiancé of Opotija Williams; 2 brothers, Nathaniel Wright, Ernie Brown, husband of Carla Gardner, sister-in-law, Morelee Mingle, 27 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren.

Life Celebration Services will be held at Brightside Baptist Church 515 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA on Wed. August 24, 2011 at 12noon. Viewing from 10-12noon at the church. Interment will be in Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. Repass Meal will follow the interment at Brightside Baptist Church. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661