Berdie High

Berdie Mae Ward High began her earthly journey April 14, 1913 and embarked to her eternal home January 14, 2017 at the age of 103. She was the eldest of nine children born to Benjamin Edgar and Bessie Eva Smith Ward. She spent her entire life in Lonoke County, learning at an early age to cook, take care of siblings and work in the fields. On December 20, 1941 she married Joseph Green (J G) High, also a farmer. From this union two children were born; a daughter, Judy Gaye and a son, Joseph Larry.

At the age of thirteen she committed her life to her Lord and Savior, becoming a faithful member of Wattensaw Baptist Church where she attended until her health declined.

Berdie loved her family, her friends and her home. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, the vegetable garden and her house plants. The one thing she missed was no longer being able to sew. She spent many hours at the sewing machine, creating special garments for family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; spouse; son; and brothers, Robert Lloyd, Benjamin Edward, Herbert Eugene and Lee Daniel (Pete) Ward; her sisters, Elsie Annette Shields and Mary Campbell Embury; and one grandson, Nathan Edward White.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy White, her sisters, Thelma Lorene Brown of Lonoke, who was born on Berdie's eleventh birthday, and her baby sister, Odie Bernice Morris of Amarillo, Texas. She is survived by two great-grandchildren, Destiny and Conner, and many nieces and nephews.

Berdie was looking forward to her reunion with family and friends, especially one special friend, Alva Mae Hester.

A special thanks to Dr. Angela Driskill who cared for her after she was burned. Also, a special thanks to the Hospice Home Care nurses, aides and chaplain during her last days.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe; and from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at 2:00 p.m. at Wattensaw Baptist Church, with burial in Wattensaw Cemetery.
Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com