Memorial services for Ella Marie Withers Ward, 82, will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 7pm at Apostolic Faith Tabernacle at 9445 Mansfield Rd in Shreveport, LA. A visitation will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, prior to the service, at the church. Pastor Joshua Sandy will officiate.

Marie was born on February 15, 1943, in Robeline, Louisiana, to Truly and Evie Withers, and departed peacefully after enduring several illnesses. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Marie was a devoted mother whose two children were her life. Her greatest joy came from caring for her family, and she lived each day with unwavering love and dedication to them and her Lord Jesus. Her faith was central to her life, and her favorite poem was Footprints in the Sand:

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints; other times there was only one.

During the low periods of my life, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, "You promised me, Lord, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most, have you not been there for me?"

The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Gracie Marie Pugh and Norma Lee Withers; and her brothers, Benny Ray Withers and Waymon "Pete" Withers.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Terry Strahan and wife Tonya; her daughter, Melanie Cragar and fiancée Stephen Paddy; her brother, Allen Withers and wife Delores; three beloved grandchildren, Colby Strahan, Lindsay and Matthew Cragar. The family would like to give a special heartfelt thanks to Laverne Franks for her devoted friendship, love and devotion for Marie and her family for over 50 years.