Tessie Mae Ward

Tessie Mae Ward left this life on Tuesday, May 6th., at the age of 94. Tessie was born and raised in South Carolina, the daughter of Aaron and Mary Varn. She met Cecil Ward and they were married in March of 1924. During the war years, Cecil worked in support of the effort in the Charleston Navy Yard. After the war, the family, which by now included a son and daughter, Charles and Betty, decided to move to California, where Cecil had lined up a new career as a mechanic. On the way in 1945, they got off the train in El Paso to visit relatives here, and never left. Cecil and Tessie opened Ward Motor Clinic, with Cecil running the shop and Tessie running the business. The shop continues on today, now under the management of one of the grandsons, David Ward. Tessie joined the Order of the Eastern Star while still in South Carolina, and continued to be an active member after the move to Texas. After their retirement, they very much enjoyed traveling around the country in their motorhome, accompanied by their two Scotties. She is survived by her children, Charles Ward (Alicia) and Betty Davis (Jon) and eight grandchildren, David, Sherry, Walter, Jessica, Robert, Kirk, Todd, and Steven and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. We are sure that she is once again indulging in her passions for long walks and gourmet family cooking. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, on May 14 at Sunset Funeral Home, 4631 Hondo Pass, officiated by her grandson, Steven Davis, with interment to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be David Ward, Robert Feidner, Mike George, Kirk Feste, Rick Smith, Todd Feste, and Joshua Feidner. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff and employees at Desert Springs for all of their kind and compassionate care. Please, a contribution to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes - Northeast.