We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Mary Ann Wardell (known to many as 'Mawmaw'), passed away peacefully at home on June 27th where she was surrounded by family and friends. Mary Ann was born on July 20th,1933, to H.T. and Bessie Bassett of Pineville, MS.

She was married to her sweetheart and love of her life, James Lavoy Wardell, for over 72 years and together they raised three children, who adore them, and were blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary Ann lived a life full of love, faith, and service. She was an elementary school teacher, a church pianist for over 45 years, a Meals on Wheels volunteer, and the world's best cook. She was perhaps most known for her generosity in the kitchen where she prepared countless feasts for family and friends. She loved her family, including her dogs, her friends, and creating a home filled with warmth and kindness.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her father and mother, her grandchild Owen Morgan, and her brother William 'Bill' Bassett. She is survived by her devoted husband, James Lavoy Wardell of Laurel, MS, her son, James Wardell of Laurel, MS, her daughters Marissa McKinley (Ted) of Hattiesburg, MS, and Gina Anderson (Tom) of Ellisville, MS.

Mary Ann was a proud grandmother to 5 grandchildren: Jason Reddoch (Courtney) of Fort Collins, CO, Courtney McKinley of Augusta, GA, Kolton Wardell (Stephanie) of Laurel, MS, Kyra Knight (Alex) of Laurel, MS, and Karson Wardell (Kristen) of Brandon, MS. She was also blessed to have many great grandchildren: Valerie Morgan, Travis Morgan, Mary Grace Reddoch, Kayden Wardell, Lealah Wardell, Preslee Wardell, Greyson Knight, and Annie Knight.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Shady Grove in Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location, with burial at Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Chris Sledge and Bro. Sidney Davis will officiate the services. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will be Kolton Wardell, Karson Wardell, Kayden Wardell, Tom Anderson, and Jeffery Miller.

The Wardell family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all the caregivers who have provided exceptional care for Mary Ann over the past several months, and to all her friends and many members of the First Baptist Church of Shady Grove who have loved and provided comfort to her in so many ways. Mary Ann leaves behind a legacy of generosity and joy. We are so grateful for the time we had with her and will miss her deeply.