Cover photo for Marlene Theresa Ward's Obituary
Marlene Theresa Ward Profile Photo

Marlene Theresa Ward

September 25, 1940 — June 15, 2021

Marlene Theresa Ward

Marlene Theresa (Hagedorn) Norwood Ward was born on September 25, 1940 in Washington, D.C. during World War II to Audrey Nell Nallin and Alfred Raymond Hagedorn, Jr. She returned with her parents to their home in Shreveport, Louisiana shortly after, growing up in the Queensborough, Caddo Heights and Werner Park neighborhoods. Two of her dearest lifelong friends from that time are Donna Ragan (Battenfield) and Linda Loper (Bradford). In the early 1950's, the Hagedorn family moved to Summer Grove, Louisiana onto five acres on the Reisor Road, now Bert Kouns, where Marlene enjoyed 4H, FHA, and the Gilbert & Sullivan Society in school. Marlene graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1958 and was granted a scholarship to Ayers School of Business, Inc., "A Secretarial School for Young Women." Her first job as Secretary was at Continental EMSCO. After marrying Charles M. Norwood in 1959, the newlyweds lived in the Highland neighborhood and then Cedar Grove. They moved into their new home on Haywood Drive in the Grawood Community on New Year's Day, 1965, where they raised their three children, Keith, Kayla and Kenneth. A devoted mother and employee, Marlene worked part-time during her children's teen years as Secretary for Community Bible Church. She later worked full time as Secretary to the Chemistry and Physics Department at LSU Shreveport, retiring with 20 years of service. Over the years, Marlene's community activities included Cub Scout Den Mother, Civil Service Board Member, and singing in the "Joyful Noise' Group at Christ United Methodist Church. Marlene and Charles moved to Galveston in 2005 to be near their twin grandsons, returning to Shreveport in 2008. They were blessed to celebrate 50 years of marriage in 2009 before Charles passed away in 2011. Marlene once again found love and married Robert E. Ward in 2014; they were happily married for seven years. Marlene was predeceased by her husband, Charles; her parents; and her sister, Karen H. Holmgren. She is survived by her husband, Robert Ward; her sister, Isabel G. DeNorthwood and husband, Terry Cumber of Twickenham, Richmond Upon Thames, London, U.K.; her son, Keith E. Norwood; her daughter, Kayla N. Orton and husband, Phil; and grandsons, Christopher and Andrew of Galveston, Texas; her son, Kenneth C. Norwood and wife, Twyla; and grandchildren, Madelyn N. Schmitz and her husband, Hayden of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Colten Norwood; Robert's children, Pam W. Skinner and son, Nathan, and Robb Ward; her sister-in-law, Mildred N. Gentry; and nieces, nephews and cousins across the country. Mama Marlene Theresa (Hagedorn) Norwood Ward passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 in Shreveport, Louisiana from complications of recent illnesses. Services for Marlene Norwood Ward will be at Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana 71118 at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 with visitation prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Officiating the service will be Rev. Willis Dear of Christ United Methodist Church. Pallbearers will be Marlene's sons and grandsons. Interment will follow a graveside devotional and prayer at Old Union Baptist Church, Benson, Louisiana (664 Old Union Road, Converse, Louisiana 71419) at 1:00 p.m. with coffee afterward in the fellowship hall. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who provided comfort to Marlene during her last three months journey, as well as the many friends, neighbors and family members who reached out and kept her in their prayers. Memorials may be made to the Old Union Cemetery Fund.
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