Shelia Bowers Ward, 70, Elizabethton, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in the Bristol Regional Hospital. She was born June 17, 1955 in Elizabethton to the late Harrell and Pearl Rains Bowers. She was a graduate of Elizabethton High School. In earlier years she worked at Kay’s Ice Cream. She loved cooking, crafts, loved to watch the British Channel on Tv and she was 2nd mom to her nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister: Nancy Taylor. Also preceded in death by two special nephews Travis Tipton and David Taylor. She attended the former Valley Forge Church of God.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years: Terry Ward, One Brother: James Bowers and wife Beverly Grindstaff Bowers. One Sister: Judy Livingston. Several nieces and nephews. Her four legged furry friend: “Benji”

Funeral Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with Mr. Joseph Oliver officiating. Graveside Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026 in the Carr Cemetery, Watauga. Active Pallbearers who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 10:20 a.m. Saturday will be: Jared Reece, Jesse Everett, Brandon Ingram, Hayden Pickens, Jaydon Livingston, Brad Good, Chase Dye, Dalton Tallon and Scott Adkins. The family would like to express a special thank you to the Nurses at Bristol Regional Hospital. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home prior to the service. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:20 a.m,. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Ward family