On Oct. 29, 2014, after many years of a fruitful and productive life, Vera Slocum Ward lifted her face toward heaven to answer the roll call from the heavenly Father.

She was born on June 2, 1930, to the late Levi Slocum Jr. and Mahalia Washington Slocum. Vera was married to the late Willie Ward and this union was blessed with a precious son, Keith.

Sis. Ward was a lifelong and dedicated member of St. Paul A.M.E Church, where she served in many capacities to include church school superintendent and teacher, Trustee Board, Steward Board, Laymen League, Senior Choir, Building Fund secretary, First Annual Conference Souvenir Booklet author, chairperson of the first St. Paul directory, Pastor’s Aid Club, Floral Committee, Decoration Committee and WMS Trailblazer honoree.

In her community, she was a member of the East Gate Chapter No. 5, Order of Eastern Star, Retired Teachers Association, Golden Floral Outreach, Gift of Love Neighborhoods Club, LSU Medical Center Volunteer, Central Mass Class Reunion Steering and Scholarship Committees, coordinator of the first Black Debutante Cotillion and past Election Commissioner for the city of Bogalusa. She was also a member of the United States Democratic Presidential Campaign Committee 2012-2014.

Vera attended school in the Bogalusa City School System. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern University and her master’s in education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She recently compiled a book relating the facts of the early schools of her time entitled “The Legacy Lives On.”

In addition the her parents, Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Willie Ward; three sisters, Juanita S. Draughn, Hilda S. Davis and Thelma S. Rudolph; and brothers Eugene Slocum Sr. and Albert Slocum Sr.

She leaves to cherish fond memories a son Keith (Jacqueline) Ward, and a granddaughter, Alexandra Ward, all of Mandeville; a special goddaughter, Marquitte (Chris) Fland of Allen, Texas; one brother, Clinton (Helen) Slocum of Bridgeport, Conn.; caregivers Shay Bonds and Ramona Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives, friends and church family.

Visitation will be held Nov. 8, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with the homegoing celebration starting at noon at St. Paul A.M.E., with the Elder R.L. Palmer officiating.

Cook Richmond Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.