Pamela Ward

Pamela Ward, lovingly known to all as “Pam”, was born on July 8, 1955, in Oxford, Mississippi, to the late Wade Berry Ward and Rossie O’Neal Buford. The fourth out of five children, Pam grew up surrounded by faith, love, and a close-knit family that nurtured her lifelong love of learning. A beloved sister, aunt, astounding educator, and friend to all she encountered, Pam peacefully departed this life on March 30, 2025. She was 69 years old.

At an early age, Pam dedicated her life to Christ as a member of Armstead Chapel C.M.E. Church, and developed a deep passion for reading and education. A proud graduate of Oxford High School, Class of 1973, she went on to earn her Bachelors of Science degree from Mississippi State University and a Masters of Science degree from the University of Mississippi, in Library Science.

Pam devoted her life to spreading the joy of literacy. She served faithfully and diligently for many years at The Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library as the Children’s Librarian, becoming the first African American to hold the position.

She was instrumental in the development of the summer reading program, which continues to enrich young minds to this day, and the establishment of an after school program. Under her leadership, the library flourished as a community cornerstone, and Pam’s love for children and books blossomed into many more community enrichment programs that would impact generations to come.

After stepping away from her role at the library to care full-time for her mother, Pam returned to her calling in education at Greenhill Elementary School in Sardis, Mississippi. There, she once again found herself in her most cherished place — the library — where she poured her love, energy, and wisdom into the lives of children across Panola and Lafayette Counties. Always wearing a jolly smile, Pam was steadfast, nurturing, and deeply loved. She leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, service, learning, and inspiration for generations to come.

She is lovingly survived by her brother, Wade “Skipper” (Betty) Ward, Jr. of Oxford, MS; her sisters, Cora Ward of Chicago, IL; Juanita (Darnell) Felton of Cordova, TN; and Lena Ward of Oxford, MS; as well as her beloved nephews: Keegan Rosemon of Plantation, FL; Michael Hobson of Corinth, MS; Sherwade Ward of Abbeville, MS; and Zachary Brown of Chicago, IL; her nieces Diedra (Chris) Townsend of Cordova, TN; D’Onior (Keylon) Simpkins of Gambrills, MD; Amaadi Ward of Chicago, IL; Shanika Ward of Oxford, MS; Linda (Lee) Vaughn of Oxford, MS; Sara (Clifton) Cotten of Ridgeland, MS; and Kara (Solomon) Rockett of Dallas, TX.; her great nephews Jeremiah (Brittany) Winfield and Christopher Townsend, Jr. of Memphis, TN; Keegan Rosemon Jr. of Abbeville, MS; Clark Stevens of Oxford, MS; Caleb Simpkins of Gambrills, MD; and Breece Rockett of Dallas, TX; her great nieces Kandace (Sam) Mossing of Omaha, NE; Leona Vaughn of Oxford, MS; Ava and Lane Cotten of Ridgeland, MS; London Milton of Montgomery, AL; Isabella and Emery Rockett of Dallas, TX, all of whom she cherished as her own children. She also leaves to celebrate her legacy her classmate and lifelong friend, Joyce Ann Green, along with a host of cousins, classmates and friends.

Pamela Ward’s life was a testament to grace, devotion, and purpose. She served quietly but powerfully, and she will be remembered always — not only in the hearts of her family but in the pages of every book she passed on, and in the bright futures of every child she inspired.