Obituary of Ira Ward

Mother Ira Mae "Mama Tot" Ward, was born on March 23, 1936, in Magnolia, Arkansas to Samuel and Mossie Poole Manning.  She passed from this life into glory on Friday, July 15, 2022, at Magnolia Regional Medical Center.  She was 86.  "Mama Tot" or "Aunt Tot" was beloved in her community.  She was a giving and loving person to all who came in contact with her. 

She was a natural homemaker. Her generous spirit was renown; she always had a smile, a kind or encouraging word or something delicious to share with you.  Her chicken and dressing is legendary! "Aunt Tot" truly loved the Lord and was a member of the St. Phillips AME Church in Magnolia, AR.

She was preceded in death by two of her children, Betty Hill and Hazel Ward, all of her brothers: JW Manning, Lewis Manning, and Roosevelt Manning, and four of her sisters: Charlotte Coleman, Emma Louise Manning, Willie Mae Simmons, and Beulah Carey. 

She leaves cherished memories with her son Calvin Ray (Gertrude) Ward of Bryant, TX; three daughters:  Emma Gonzales of Lancaster, CA, Letha Gentry of Magnolia, AR and Kelly Gentry (Danny) of Harbor City, CA, twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, all of Magnolia:  Gertie Manning, Nelving Green, and Girlvie Grissom.  She will be sorely missed by her family and a great host of friends alike, including her very special friend, Mr. Melvin Cooper.