Brenda Ward

Deaconess & Mother Brenda B. Ward was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, Va. She was 75 years old and was born on January 31, 1946, in Isle of Wight County, Virginia to the late Wesley and Eliza Robinson Wiggins. She also received her education in Isle of Wight County in the public schools’ system. She became a homemaker to care for her family and children in her community. Brenda Ward was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and loyal friend. She was commonly known as “La’-B”, “Ms. B” “Bee” and “Bee-Bee” by many who dearly respected and loved her. Prior to her becoming a devout and faithful member of Divine Empowerment Christian Center, under the Pastoral ship of her son, Pastor James L. Ward, Jr., she attended and worshipped at the family church and Friendship Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Suffolk, Va. While at Divine Empowerment Christian Center, Brenda Ward became the Mother of the Church and was ordained as a Deaconess. On occasions, she worshipped and served with New Life Worship Center (Bishop Carl J. Vann, Sr.) and Kingdom Minded Christian Center (Pastor Maurice Moore) both of Norfolk, Va. Playing cards, cooking, watching wrestling, crocheting, dancing, laughing, and joking with family and close friends were things that Brenda enjoyed doing. In addition, her favorite scriptures from the bible came from Psalms 23 and Proverbs 3:5-6. She also loved the hymn, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” Deaconess Brenda will forever be remembered for her tremendous strength, kind spirit, straight forwardness to correct foolishness (for who-ever thought that they could bring it) and her abilities to form positive and lasting relationships with various people. Deaconess Brenda was predeceased by her husband: James L. Ward Sr., son: Evans D. Wiggins, 2 sisters: Mary Mann and Iris Odessa Jarrett; along with 2 brothers: Willis Edwards and Junious Wiggins. She leaves to mourn and cherish: her daughters Tracy Wiggins; Valerie Wiggins, Tonya Ward (Nathan Glen Johnson)- all of Suffolk, Va. and her son James L. Ward, Jr. (JuliAnn) of Franklin, Va.; her sisters: Elmire Wiggins and Olydia Holland; brothers: Milton Wiggins (Ruby), Gene Wiggins, Cornelius Wiggins (Bertha), Dwight Wiggins (JoAnn) and Ervin Wiggins (Virginia); 7 grandson: Donta Batten(Brittany Jones) of Carrollton, Carlos Batten (Felicia) of Newport News, Nathaniel Johnson (Tonya) of Fayetteville, N.C.; Rasheed Johnson of Suffolk, Xavier Ward, Joshua Ward of Franklin and sadly Tre’Von Wiggins, who tragically passed away, soon after her transition; 2 grand- daughters; Akia Donaldson and Keona Ward- both of Suffolk, along with a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, other relatives and friends. Finally, Deaconess Brenda’s love and compassion for people also led her to extend her family to include Vinette Davis. A Celebration of Life will be held 11am Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Main Street Baptist Church Mission Center BY INVITATION ONLY. Limited attendance will be strictly adhered to and required. Viewing will take place Friday, November 19, 2021 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Wiggins-Ward Family in your thoughts and prayers. View Memorial Video