Elizabeth Ann Ward Schafer

Elizabeth Ann Ward Schafer, lovingly known as Betty Ann, was born on March 12, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She departed from this world on December 16, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and warmth.

Throughout her life, Betty Ann devoted herself to creating a nurturing home for her family. Her unparalleled commitment was evident not only in her role as a mother but also through her many years of service at the First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, where she worked both as an employee and a dedicated volunteer. Betty Ann's passion for community and family truly shone through in all her endeavors.

In her free time, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as reading and gardening, pursuits that allowed her to express creativity and connect with nature.

Betty Ann leaves behind her three children: Mary Ann Currie of Gulfport, MS, James I. Ward, Jr. (Donita) of Knoxville, TN, and William "Wes" Ward (Adrian) of Moody, AL. She also cherished her nine grandchildren: Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Smith of Gulfport, MS, Michelle Ward-Gilles (Andrew) of Somerville, MA, Katie Ward of Knoxville, TN, Stephen Ward (Anna) of Justin, TX, Jennifer Ward of Knoxville, TN, Natalie Nelson (Karl) of Cumming, GA, Emily Ward-Noonan (Baker) of Greenville, SC, Daniel Ward of Moody, AL, and Abigail Utsey (Caleb) of Odenville, AL. Her legacy continues with nine beloved great-grandchildren: Charlotte Ward, Micah Ward, Aaron "Max" Smith, Ava Grace Smith, Abel James Smith, Martin Nelson, Amelia Nelson, Calvin Nelson, and Jude Utsey.

Betty Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. William H. Sharpe and Rosa F. Sharpe, her sister, Rose Mary Sharpe, her husband of 49 years, James I. Ward, Sr., and her husband, Karl Schafer.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, located at 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport, MS.  Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m., with the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.   Burial to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport. 

Betty Ann will be remembered for her unwavering love and strength, and she leaves behind a vibrant family that carries her memory forward.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Shafer family. Please sign the online guestbook at www.riemannfamily.com