WINTON, NC – Melba Elizabeth “Beth” Ward of Winton, NC passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019 in Apex, the day before her 62nd birthday.

Beth was born and reared in Winton, the daughter of the late Harry Bartlett Ward, Jr. and Melba Askew Ward. A graduate of Murfreesboro High School, she attended Appalachian State University, and after college returned to Winton to become the Hertford County Librarian. In 1983 she went to work with the North Carolina Baptist State Convention in Cary, working until 1992 when the Convention partnered with New York Baptists to form a Convention in Syracuse. Working on that transition, she was employed there until early 2006 when she returned to Winton to care for her father in his later years.

A volunteer with the Hertford County Relay for Life, and The Roanoke-Chowan Chapter of Christian Women’s Job Corps in Ahoskie, she was a faithful member of Winton Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and as Music Director until her health declined.

Surviving are her brother, William Bartlett Ward (Sandra) of Winton; two sisters, Mary Etta Flowers (Gene) of Murfreesboro, and Teena W. DeSimone (Doug) of Southern Shores; a special friend, Carolyn J. Hopkins of Apex, where she resided since January of this year; a brother-in-law, Stewart Woodard of Conway; two nieces, Andrea Flowers and Joni Gray; two nephews, Paul Ward and Michael Woodard; six great-nephews, R.B. and Alex Ward, Michael Woodard, and Ian, Eli, and Dylan Gray; two great-nieces, Macie C. Jernigan and Linley Woodard; a great-great-niece, Scarlett Ward; and a great-great-nephew, Joseph S. Jernigan, IV.

Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Sunday, July 7th, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Winton Baptist Church, followed by a Memorial Service, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Winton Park, located at the base of the old Winton Bridge.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607; or to The Roanoke-Chowan Chapter of Christian Women’s Job Corps, P.O. Box 344, Ahoskie, NC 27910; or to a charity of one’s choice.

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