Donna Fay Jarred Mays Ward was born on July 17, 1946, in Deering, Missouri to Pleas Jarred and Ivy Pearl Brumley Jarred.  She passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Jackson, TN at the age of 77.

She was a graduate of Steele High School with the Class of 1964 and later graduated from Mississippi County Community College with an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science.  Donna was a career bookkeeper. She retired from Ag Distributors in Portageville after 21 years there, then decided she wasn't ready for retirement and went to work for Caruthersville Cotton Gin, where she was employed for 8 years before retiring again. Donna was a member of the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Steele, where she served as the church secretary for many years. She will be remembered as a great cook, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a caring daughter.  She enjoyed traveling with tours and made special memories on vacations with the family, whether going on cruises or to the beach.

Donna was first united in marriage to James Mays, who preceded her in death.  She was then united in marriage to Gary Ward, who also preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Henry Jarred, Dugan Jarred, and Lesper Jarred, and one sister: Imogene Jarred.

She is survived by: Two sons:  Todd Mays and his wife, Tonya, of Jonesboro, AR
James "Buzz" Mays and his wife, Sandy, of Olive Branch, MS
Five grandchildren: Tara Ragland and her husband, Brandon.
Zach Mays and his wife Julie Jayme Mills and her husband Wes, Michaela Mays, Gabrielle Mays, and four great-grandchildren:   Myles McCoy Mays, Saylor Faye Mills, Maci Lynn Mills
Davis Witt Mays and she was eagerly awaiting the birth of Lachlan Ames Ragland.

She leaves behind a sister, Glenda Jarred Peters Treece, a very special sister-in-law, Alice Jarred, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral service were held on Thursday January 11, 2024 at 12:00pm at the John W. German Funeral Home in Steele, with Brother Burr Lovitt officiating. Visitation was held the same day from 10-12. Interment was in the Mount Zion Cemetery in Steele, Missouri. Pall Bearers were Dallas Jarred, Chris and Peyton Robinson, Greg and Tyler Battles and Hunter Ward.

John W. German Funeral Home of Steele in charge of arrangements.