Deborah Weatherford Ward

Deborah Weatherford Ward, 57, after a wonderful life, left her home in Irmo to go live with Jesus. She died on July 29th at approximately 12:20 am. She was born on March 22, 1966 with her late twin sister Donna Weatherford in Hartsville, SC. She was the mischievous, fun-loving, spontaneous wife of William Franklin Ward III (Frank Ward) for 31 years. She was the daughter of Florence (Sissy) Drew and the late Gene Weatherford. She was known by so many for her strong faith, loving smile, caring heart, wise counsel and strength. She was quick with a laugh, anxious for a fun prank and always truly young at heart. She was a great mom who taught her children to love Jesus and to care for others. She served in multiple churches with children's ministries and was known to children as Miss Deb. She was a light and an encouragement to people she met. Though a good portion of her life was spent going to and from hospitals she never let that take the joy of the Lord from her. She seldom complained about the difficulties associated with her medical problems. She would talk to many in the waiting rooms and offer words of encouragement, showing the light, hope, and joy found in the Lord to all around her. Deb served as an important part of the staff of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), a ministry that shares the Gospel with children. She saw the value of sharing with children that they could have a personal relationship with God. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to CEF to continue Deb’s desire for kids to know Christ. Memorials can be sent to CEF of SC, PO Box 211084, Columbia, SC 29221. She is survived by her loving and caring husband, Frank Ward; her daughter Elizabeth Kupper, (son in-law Ralph Kupper, Ama (grandma) to Andrew, Lukas, and Phillip Kupper) and her son William Franklin Ward IV (daughter in-law Lauren Ward). In addition are her brother Freddie Weatherford, sister in-law Laura Weatherford, sisters Mindy Poston, Cindy Shively and Mikki Barrett. Visitation will be at Riverbend Community Church,1015 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, South Carolina from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 4th and service will follow at 6:30 p.m.. Interment will be Saturday August 5th at Grove Hill Cemetery in Darlington at 11:00 am.

Deborah Weatherford Ward

March 22, 1966 - July 29, 2023