Audrey Ward Million

Audrey Ward Million, 93, departed this life to be with her loving family on March 1, 2025.

Audrey was the second of seven children born to Iness and Doyle Ward. Typical of the future fun seeking, risk-taking, somewhat challenging pretty girl who wanted the most out of life, she amazed everyone by starting to walk at only 7 months. Growing up she was good at basketball, loved to spin records, dance, laugh and have fun. She drove around in an old jalopy she bought, went fishing with her friend Mary Beth and loved being adventuresome.

Her teenage crush, who became the love of her life, Norman ‘Bud’ Million, and married after high school. Bud attended University of Arkansas, and they moved to Fayetteville where their family began to grow. Michael arrived first, then Mark and then their third son Jim.

Bud’s sudden death was devastating, an immeasurable loss for Audrey and their young sons.

Grieving deeply, Audrey’s Christian faith sustained her. Bud had always encouraged her to pursue her artistic interests, so she took classes at ASU. She painted, drew with pen and ink and produced intricate needle work. She also set up a woodworking shop in her home to develop that skill.

Audrey’s calm demeanor and caring personality served her well as a volunteer counselor in Hospice Grief Therapy. Sharing her own story of loss and being sensitive to others, she is still remembered fondly by many she counseled.

She enjoyed international travel, the theatre and the arts. She had a great sense of humor and loved to sing, took lessons in piano and organ. She became a student of nature, interacting with the city wildlife in her large back yard. They provided limitless stories and she provided them with generous amounts of food.

Audrey was admired for her beauty, charm and sense of fashion. Her smile was radiant and she had a sweetness that developed more as she added the years. She will be remembered fondly.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband Norman ‘Bud’ Million, her son Michael G. Million, her parents Robert Doyle and Iness Marie Ward; Sisters Betty Carolyn Ward, Martha Kathryn Nibert and brother, Jamie Doyle Ward.

She is survived by her sons Mark F. Million (Brenda), James K. Million (Anne) and grandchildren Lauren E. Johnson (Blake), Jonathan F. Million (Megan) and precious great grandchild, Milly K. Johnson.

She is also survived by her sisters: Norma Sue Johnson, Mary Etta Taylor, Linda Simpkins and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Elizabeth’s Memory Care Unit for their exceptional care and support of Audrey for the past several years and during her final days.

The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the St. Bernards Foundation NICU fund, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401: or the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.

To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.