Mattie Owens Ward

                         ~ Life Reflections ~

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Mattie Owens Ward was born in the Nazarene Community of Mullins, South Carolina on July 29, 1923, to the late Thelma Gerald Owens and Willie Henry “Hun” Owens.

Mattie graduated from Mullins Colored High School in 1941. In May 1945, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. In July 1964, she graduated from The Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina in Greensboro with a Master of Science degree in Education. Mattie dedicated her life to the art of teaching mathematics in the public schools of Dillon, Horry and Marion Counties and privately tutored kindred and acquaintances. She will be sorely missed by family, friends, and students, especially for her inspiring vision of the importance of education and service.

Mattie was a faithful member of Saint Paul Baptist Church in Mullins, SC, member of the Trustee Board, member of Sunday School Class #2, and co-founder of the church’s Sunday morning breakfast tradition, where she delighted in fellowshipping and preparing the morning meal. After teaching for forty-seven years, she enjoyed the camaraderie of the Mullins Retired Teachers’ Group. She spent many hours visiting the sick and shut-in and helping members of her community.

Mattie especially enjoyed reading, Sudoku, puzzles, gardening and traveling domestically and abroad with friends. She had a nurturing spirit and was forward-thinking. Mattie encouraged others to pursue financial independence and entrepreneurship. People of all ages found pleasure in talking with her as she gladly shared her wisdom and advice.

Mattie Owens Ward was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Douglas William Ward and her sister, Isabelle Owens Bryant. She leaves to cherish her memory: a daughter, Lynda (Harold) Cain of Atlanta, GA, a bonus daughter, Atha “Tea” (James) McClellan of Fork, SC, eight  grandchildren: James (Tasha) Cain, Douglas (Brittney) Cain, Kelley Cain, Angel McClellan, Jamie McClellan, Ensley (Michael) Lee, Arte Graves, Jeremy (Shiranda) Graves, five great-grandchildren: Kai Cain, Devin Cain, Christian Lee, Chrissy Lee, Shaniya Graves, sister-in-law Hazel (Victor) Thornton of Gary, IN and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives, neighbors, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following:

Mattie Owens Ward Scholarship

Make checks or money orders payable to:
St. Paul Baptist Church 
For: Mattie Owens Ward Scholarship
(Unfortunately, no electronic payment option) 

Send to:
St. Paul Baptist Church
Attn: Mattie O. Ward Scholarship
PO Box 533
Mullins, SC. 29574

Effective June 2022, a $1000.00 scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving St. Paul Baptist Church high school senior who has been accepted into a technical college or a four year college/university.  

Please include your contact information with your scholarship contribution so that Lynda Ward Cain may personally extend thanks to you.

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