Margaret Louise Ward passed away on April 6 at Greenbriar at Altamont in Birmingham.

She was born on Aug. 21, 1919, in Talladega County, the daughter of the late Daniel Luther Ward and the late Irena Mae Wright Ward.

Her early childhood and young adult years were spent in Thorsby, where she attended and graduated from Thorsby Institute.

She retired from Southern Research Institute after 48 years of service.

A member of Salvation Army Women Auxiliary, she was a charter member of the Baptist Church of the Covenant where for many years she assisted and taught in the 4-and-5-year-old Sunday School Department.

For more than 50 years she was a resident of Homewood and most recently of Greenbriar at Altamont.

She is survived by her beloved cousin, Jane Beasley Clements (Wayne) who tried endlessly and lovingly to see that all of her needs were taken care of and Cory Beasley Robinson (Michael) who also assisted; cousins, Floriene Beasley, Ben Beasley (Mary) and Frances Martin; dear friend Virginia Jackson and other friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel L. Ward and Irene Wright Ward; baby sister, Lou-Rene; brother, Robert F. Ward (pharmacist U.S. Navy, World War II) and George Billy Ward.

Friends will be received from 10-11 a.m. April 8 at Baptist Church of the Covenant in Birmingham.

Services will be held April 8 at 11 a.m. at Baptist Church of the Covenant with the Rev. Sarah Jackson Shelton officiating.

Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist No. 1 Cemetery in Jemison.

No flowers, but the family requests donations be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist No. 1 Cemetery Fund, 438 County Road 123 in Jemison, 35085.

Martin Funeral Home directing.

You may leave online condolences on the guest registry for the family at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.