Jackie Ward

Carden

Mary Jacqulyn Ward “Jackie” Carden, age 96, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026, in Carrollton, Georgia, just eleven days shy of her 97th birthday.

Born on November 20, 1929, in Carrollton, Georgia, Jackie was the daughter of the late Carl and Hazel Ward. She graduated from Carrollton High School and spent her entire life in Carrollton and Bremen, Georgia, where she established deep roots and lifelong friendships.

Above all else, Jackie loved her family. Caring for and supporting those she loved was truly her life’s greatest joy. She was endlessly proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she never missed an opportunity to share stories about them. Anyone who knew Jackie often felt they already knew her family long before meeting them, simply because she spoke of them so often and with such love and pride.

Jackie enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, especially going out to eat, taking family beach trips, and celebrating holidays surrounded by those she loved. Family gatherings were especially meaningful to her, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time together and make lasting memories.

Jackie’s faith and church family were central to her life. She was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Carrollton and especially cherished her Believers Sunday School class. She loved the friendships she formed through the class and took great joy in welcoming its members into her home. One of her dear Sunday school friends reflected that Jackie’s life embodied the faithfulness expressed in Lamentations 3:23: “Great is thy faithfulness.” Her devotion to her faith, family, and community was evident in the way she lived and cared for others.

During her years in Bremen, Jackie was a member of First Baptist Church of Bremen, where she served as the church pianist. She was also a piano teacher, sharing her love of music with many students throughout the community. Through her teaching and music, she touched the lives of countless individuals and families.

Jackie was a lifelong supporter of Tanner Medical Center and a member of the Water Oak Society, reflecting her commitment to the health and well-being of the community she loved. She was also a faithful supporter of THS Homeless Resource Bridge from its beginning in 2014, demonstrating her compassion for those in need.

Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Horace Carden, who passed away in June 2009, and her parents, Carl and Hazel Ward.

She is survived by her children, Kay Pitstick and Pat Carden; her sister, Barbra Ward; her brothers, Carl “Jerry” Ward and Stephen Ward; and her five grandchildren, Gillian Lohr (Mike), Evan Pitstick (Annelies), Ryan Carden, Logan Pitstick, and Shannon Duncan (Ricky).

She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Amelia Lohr, Tate Lohr, Savannah Holdbrooks, Sawyer Holdbrooks, Aurora Maren Pitstick, and Celeste Maren Pitstick, each of whom brought her tremendous joy.

Jackie’s greatest legacy is the love she poured into her family. She had a special way of making sure those she loved always knew just how much they meant to her. Every visit ended with the same familiar words, spoken with all the love in her heart: “I love you to the moon and back.”

Those words will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her family. And now, with a lifetime of beautiful memories and gratitude for the love she gave so freely, her family sends those same words back to her.

We love you to the moon and back, Jackie. Always.

Acknowledgments

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals who provided loving care, friendship, and support to Jackie throughout her later years. Their kindness and compassion brought comfort not only to Jackie but also to her entire family.

A very special thank you to Terri Bodden, whose extraordinary kindness, compassion, and devotion made such a difference in Jackie’s life. Terri was always there when Jackie needed her, day or night, providing comfort, reassurance, and loving care. Her unwavering dedication helped make Jackie’s later years more comfortable and peaceful, and her presence was a tremendous blessing to Jackie and her family.

The family is equally grateful to Candice Eason, who was a constant and cherished friend to Jackie for more than ten years. Through her unwavering friendship, companionship, and devotion, Candice helped make it possible for Jackie to fulfill one of her greatest wishes—to remain in the comfort of her own home throughout her later years.

The family will forever be grateful for the love, kindness, and friendship these special women brought into Jackie’s life.

Funeral Arrangements

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Almon Funeral Home in Carrollton, Georgia.

A graveside service will follow at 4:30 p.m. at Bremen City Cemetery in Bremen, Georgia.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, Jackie requested that memorial contributions be made in her memory to THS Homeless Resource Bridge, an organization she faithfully supported since its beginning in 2014.

Donations may be mailed to:

THS Emergency Shelter, Inc. P.O. Box 1604 Carrollton, GA 30112

Please designate contributions in memory of Mary Jacqulyn Ward “Jackie” Carden.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of the arrangements