Satisha Latayan Alston Ward

Satisha Ward was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her immediately felt the love and support that poured from her heart. Satisha was sincere, thoughtful, reliable, and the best nonjudgmental companion anyone could ask for. She was, quite literally, an angel on Earth.

Satisha was a lover of life and embraced every opportunity to be adventurous. Whether traveling, trying new experiences, or creating unforgettable memories with her loved ones, she approached life with joy, curiosity, and an open heart.

She was what you would call a creative and a jack of all trades. Satisha was an educator, coach, choreographer, writer, dancer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. Her talents were limitless, and she used them to inspire and uplift those around her. She had dreams of opening her own nonprofit organization to help those struggling with mental illness. Her passion for helping others was unwavering, and she always found ways to make a difference in people’s lives. Satisha’s impact was so profound that words alone cannot fully capture the depth of her influence. Anyone who came across Satisha felt just how special she was.

Satisha was present for everything and was the official memory maker. She always had a camera in hand, ready to capture every special moment around her. She never missed a birth, a graduation, or a family event. Satisha was the friend, sister, daughter, aunt, and loved one everyone could depend on. She kept everyone grounded, always had the best advice, and was the voice of clarity when you wanted to do something irrational or based on emotion. She was the compass, thermometer, timekeeper, and the maker of everything fun. She had the ability to make you do things you didn’t want to do—whether it was dance, play a game, or take another picture. Satisha was pure, loving, and kind and had an unwavering loyalty to the people she loved.

As Satisha grew, she also deepened her relationship with God. She got to know Jesus on a deeper level and received salvation. She was baptized at her home church, Life Church, as a testament to her faith and commitment to God. Satisha and Anthony instilled the Word in their home, ensuring that faith remained at the forefront of their family. She lived with grace, walked in faith, and exemplified God’s love in every interaction.

Born Satisha Alston on January 7, 1988, to Phyllis Leak in Queens, New York, she was a quiet young girl who stayed out of trouble. Satisha later moved to Brooklyn, where she lived with her father, Michael Leak, in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. She attended Stephen Decatur Middle School and later graduated from Boys and Girls High School.

In 2007, Satisha welcomed her precious firstborn, Nikayla. Despite the challenges of motherhood, she persevered—working two jobs while attending college and caring for her daughter. Her dedication paid off when she earned a bachelor's degree in Management from Long Island University.

In 2011, Satisha met the love of her life, Anthony Ward. In her own words, from a Facebook post: "Anthony has been a constant source of support and strength for me." Together, they raised Nikayla and served as an inspiration to all those around them. Satisha and Anthony welcomed two more daughters, Kaylee in 2013 and Kasey in 2015. Their love story culminated in marriage in August 2015, and they honored every vow they exchanged.

In 2018, Satisha earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University while working as an educator for the New York City Department of Education. Never one to stop striving for excellence, she continued her education and, in 2023, obtained her master’s degree in Education from Ashford University. Satisha dedicated herself to serving as a special education educator until she and her family relocated to North Carolina.

In December 2024, Satisha embarked on a new career, accepting a position with American Airlines as a station manager. She embraced her new calling with enthusiasm and had ambitious plans to travel to 40 different countries with her family.

On March 9, 2025, Satisha transitioned home to be with our Heavenly Father. Though she is no longer physically present, her spiritual presence is far too great not to be felt. One of Satisha’s favorite quotes from Robert Louis Stevenson was: "Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others." The courage Satisha demonstrated and shared with us all will not be in vain—it will live on through everyone she touched.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Enoise Bynum.

Satisha leaves behind to continue her legacy her loving husband, Anthony Ward; her daughters, Nikayla Pope, Kaylee Ward, and Kasey Ward; her mother, Phyllis Leak; her father, Michael Leak; her sisters, Kayla Luton and Allette Shepphard; her brother Christian Jones; her nieces, Jasani Williams, Giana Luton, Kamya Luton, Rayelle Luton; Madelyne Sheppard, Morgan Sheppard, and La’naya Ward; her nephew Jacob Jones; her uncles, Victor Leak and Kevin Leak; her father- and mother-in-law, Ashton Andries, and Roxanne Ward; her sisters-in-law, Rose and Olive Andries; her brothers-in-law, Jermaine Ward, John Ward, Gavin Luton, and Charles Sheppard; her family pets, Lenny and Octavia Ward and a host of family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones.

Satisha’s life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and perseverance. She lived each day with purpose, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shine through the lives she touched. Though we grieve, we rejoice in knowing she is now resting in eternal peace, wrapped in the arms of her Heavenly Father.