Freda Belle Gower Ward

March 26, 2009

77, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2009, after a brave fight with heart and lung disease at Kindred Hospital. Freda was the only daughter born to William and Mary Emma (Hornback) Gower in West Frankfort, IL. She received a B.A. from Southern Illinois University in Sociology and Psychology and a M.A. from George Washington University in Public Personnel Administration. Freda married Hal Ward. They lived in Annandale, VA, for 40 years where they raised their family. She was an active volunteer in school, music, and sports activities of her children and in her church, Annandale United Methodist Church. Freda and Hal founded Commercial Lighting of Virginia where she served as President for 25 years before retiring to St. Petersburg, in 1999. Upon retirement she filled her time with volunteer work. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg where she served as Vice President of the United Methodist Women. Freda felt God's call to write humor. Fascinated by people and the events that surrounded her, she saw humor in almost every facet of life. She published her first book, Serving Gravy with a Slotted Spoon, in 2001. She wrote 9 books and made over 300 appearances, speaking at churches, libraries, schools, book stores, civic groups and writers' groups. Freda received 6 awards from the Florida Writers Association and 2 from Pen Women. Freda is survived by her dearly beloved husband of 54 years, Hal; sons and their wives, Harold Jr. (Tammie), David (Phyllis), Richard (Karen) all of Virginia; grandchildren, Christopher, Richard Jr., Clifford, Christine, Michael and Jennifer Ward; brothers, Claude, Bob and Bill Gower; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by bothers, Jefferson and Howard Gower. A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 1:15pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the the American Heart or Lung Associations or to the United Methodist Women, 212 Third Street, N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701.