Mary Jean Dunagan Ward, 66, of Dalton departed this life for her Heavenly Home Thursday morning, January 5, 2017.

She was born October 26, 1950 in Thomaston, GA. A daughter of the late Richard "Monroe" Dunagan and Evelyn "Marie" Dunagan. She was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law Viv Ward and a nephew, Jad Dunagan.

Mary graduated from Valley Point High School, Class of '68, where she was a member of the VPHS Basketball Team.

Mary was a devoted Christian. She was blessed with the gift to love others with her kinder spirit. Mary was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, Aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Tiffany Dunagan of Charlotte, NC and a grandson she adored Nolan Dunagan of Charlotte, NC; her sisters and brothers: George "Pete" Dunagan, Luanne Dunagan, Lawanna Dunagan Headrick, Rick and Cathy Dunagan Swiney, Frankie Dunagan Kinsey, Phillip and Angie Dunagan, Steve and Vicki Dunagan Fisher, and Gordon and Loretta Lance; Uncle, William Slaughter of Forsyth, GA, cousins: Dale Davison, of Thomaston, GA, Amy Slaughter Hester, Perry Slaughter and Gregory Slaughter of Forsyth, GA. She devoted her love on numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great cousins.

Mary was affectionately called "Grandmother, Aunt Mary, "Darry Deanie", sister and cousin by many. She is also survived by her extended family Stephen, Dawn, Elaina, and Deston Vaughn of SC; Christine, Taylor, and Hayden Thomas of Woodruff, SC; Tina Ward and Tim Ward of Greer, SC.

Celebration of life service will be held Tuesday January 10, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. from Rock Bridge Stage 123 with Stephen Hare officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. A private inurnment service will be held in the spring at North Topsail Beach, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dalton Greater Works or your favorite charity.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com Arrangements will be announced by, Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Dr. Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002 www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org and www.ogr.org