Linda Harrison Ward, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, joy, and love that touched all who knew her.
Born on September 8, 1949, in Ruston, Louisiana, Linda grew up in a warm, close-knit family as the youngest of four children. She cherished her childhood with her parents and three brothers, relishing her role as the “baby girl” of the family. Her early years were filled with laughter, deep family bonds, and strong Southern roots that shaped the woman she would become.
Linda attended Louisiana Tech University in her hometown of Ruston, where she graduated in 1971 with a degree in Education. Driven by her love for children and her natural gift for nurturing others, she continued her studies in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where she earned a master’s degree in Counseling at Northwestern State University. It was there that she met the love of her life, Mel Ward. They married in 1984 and soon after moved to the Houston area, eventually settling in Kingwood, Texas, where they built a beautiful life together.
In Kingwood, Linda and Mel raised their two children, Amanda and Harrison, and created a home full of love, laughter, and warmth. Over the years, they also collected a large circle of friends and neighbors who became like family—relationships that Linda deeply cherished and nurtured with her hallmark warmth and care.
Linda dedicated over 45 years of her life to being an educator, with many of those years spent as an elementary school counselor and special education teacher at Foster Elementary and Deerwood Elementary. Her work was more than a profession; it was a calling and she found much joy in it. She impacted generations of children and families with her compassionate spirit and gentle guidance.
Linda was known for her vibrant personality and beautiful and caring heart. She was happiest in the company of others and never met a stranger. Whether she was “front porch sittin” with friends, cheering on the Houston Astros, traveling with family, or playing with her grandchildren, Linda brought warmth, connection, and joy to every moment. She truly had a gift for making others feel loved.
Linda is survived by her loving husband, Mel Ward; daughter, Amanda Mackenzie Combs; cherished grandchildren, Camille, and Barrett Combs; three brothers, Jimmy, Ralph, and Robert Harrison; and a wide circle of dear friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grady, and Estelle Harrison; and her son, Harrison Ward, whom she now joins in eternal peace.
Friends and loved ones are invited to a come-and-go visitation on Sunday, May 4th from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Darst Funeral Home, 796 Russell Palmer Rd, Kingwood, TX 77339. A memorial service will take place Wednesday, May 7th at 12:00 p.m. at Owen’s Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 2300 W California Ave, Ruston, LA 71270, followed by a graveside service at Pecan Grove Cemetery, Hwy 822, Dubach, LA 71235.
