EDENTON –  Harriet Truman “Trudy” Ward Parker, 73, of 210 Robin Lane, Edenton, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at home with her family after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was a Christian and believed in the promise of an everlasting life.

Born in Rich Square, NC, she was the daughter of the late Bill and Grace Vick Ward. Trudy lit up hearts with her smile and laughter, and touched people’s lives in innumerable ways.  She attended East Carolina University and was previously employed by NC Farm Bureau in Edenton. She was a member of Edenton United Methodist Church where she sang in the Chancel Choir, the Joy Choir, and performed with the Edenton Choral Society and the NC Symphony.  She spread the light and energy of music within her church, nursing homes, and community organizations.  She also shared her gift of music with the Edenton Harmony Belles and with her family around the living room piano.

An avid card player she enjoyed regular meetings with her bridge clubs. She loved reading, traveling, puzzles, gardening, NC State ball games, the beach, and found beauty and uniqueness in each and every seashell and piece of sea glass she collected.  She did intricate needlework and crafted beautiful shell wreaths that her children, grandchildren, and friends will always treasure.   She took pride in her home, her family, her community, church and friends.  One of her greatest loves was following and attending the events, programs, sports, and concerts of her grandchildren as she supported and inspired them.  She also found true joy in everything surrounding her and Holidays were always filled with the light, love, and promise of the gifts of togetherness and assurance of life everlasting.   She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, assuring all of their own unique place within her heart.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jack W. Parker of Edenton; daughter, Jackie Copeland (Jeff) of Tyner; son Johnny Parker (Denise) of Suffolk, VA: son, Alan Parker (Juli) of High Point; and grandchildren, Danny Parker (Ashley), Paul Parker, Sam Copeland, Robert Parker, John Parker and Callie Copeland.  Also surviving are her brother, Al Ward (Cheryl) of Raleigh; and her nephew, Eric Ward (Paula) of Knightdale.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Pitt Memorial Hospital for their care, concern, and outpouring of love to Trudy and all of her family members during her extended time there.  They also wish to express their gratitude to the Palliative Care and Hospice staff who provided support, care and comfort.

Friends may join the family Sunday, May 15 from 7-9 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 16 in Edenton United Methodist Church by the Revs. Charles Moseley and Julia Webb-Bowden.  A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square.

To honor Trudy’s wishes and in lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Edenton United Methodist Church Building Fund, 225 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC  27932.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.