AHOSKIE – On Monday, January 5, 2015, Lillie Ward, 89, a native of Bertie County was summoned by God to “Come follow me.”

The Matriarch of the Ward Family, Mrs. Lillie Edwards Ward, transitioned to her eternal home in the home of her daughter, Kathleen W. Wright, surrounded by her loved ones.

Mrs. Ward, a warrior in this area, did so much for so many. She was truly a servant in her church (Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church) and in the community. She joined hands with God at an early age when she became a member of Piney Wood Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and remaining a faithful and committed member until her health failed.  Her service in working for the Lord included the  Pastor’s Aide, Missionary, Deaconess, Willing Workers and it was always a joy to hear her melodious and beautiful alto voice, as she sang in the Senior Choir (past president) and Gospel Choir.

She was an avid homemaker and seamstress for many and an essential supporter to her husband who was a sharecropper.  During her Christian life, she became an outstanding community worrier serving in the following:  Parent Teacher Association Leader, XYZ Club, Past President, a Home Demonstration Club Leader, as well as a 4H Leader, Rodger Eason Grove Christmas Savings Club President. She earned her GED from Roanoke Chowan Technical Institute in 1968.

In the late 1970’s Mrs. Ward and her husband, the late William A. Ward, Sr., became foster parents, eventually, parenting approximately 20-30 children in their home.

Her children watched her soar when she competed in Raleigh becoming 1st Runner Up as Mother of the Year for the State of North Carolina in the mid 70’s.

Mrs. Wards’ work outside the home included…Roanoke-Chowan Community College as a Sewing Instructor, Manager of Mobley’s Fabric House and Cashier/Clerk for Roses, Inc. in Ahoskie.

The celebration of her life continues through Annie W. (Leonard) Mobley of Ahoskie; Mildred Elaine Hopkins of Raleigh; and William (Nellie) Ward, Jr. and Kathleen W. (Bobby) Wright of Ahoskie.  Years after Mrs. Ward and her husband had completed their family they were blessed to have another boy, the late George A. Speller join the family at a tender age of six.  Others cherishing her memory: one brother, Randolph (Bettie) Edwards of Bronx, New York; one sister-in-law, Mildred Edwards of Baltimore, Maryland, thirteen grandchildren, seventeen grandchildren, one great, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The home going services will be on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church, Powellsville, NC. Visitation with the family will be Thursday at Reynolds’ Funeral Home on Thursday, January 8 from 5:30- 6:30 pm. All other expressions of comfort may be made to her children in their homes.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bud & Lillie Edwards Ward (BLEW) Foundation, Inc., Post Office Box 794, Ahoskie, NC 27910.