Nell Martin Ward

Rocky Mount - Nell Martin Ward, 86, passed away on November 26, 2015 at Duke Hospital after several months of declining health. She was born on December 28, 1928 in Rocky Mount, NC to the late Walter Grady and Alma Bean Martin. Nell was preceded in death by her beloved sisters Mildred Cooper, Frances Bass, and Peggy Braswell. Nell grew up in Rocky Mount, graduating from R. M. Wilson High School where she participated in many activities including playing on the girls basketball team. While in high school, she was voted the “wittiest” by her classmates. All her friends and family enjoyed her great sense of humor and wit. After graduation, Nell worked at Wimberley Gregory for several years. On October 8, 1950, she married the love of her life, Charles David Ward. They were married for 65 years, recently celebrating this milestone anniversary with family and friends. In 1960, Nell and Charles opened their own business Wards Appliance, Inc. Nell and Charles worked together at Wards Appliance for over 55 years. Their service manager, Allen Alford, has worked for them for over 41 years. He is like a member of the family to Nell and Charles. Nell was a lifelong member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she served on various committees, was a member of the Womens Circle, and taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. At St. Paul, she helped start and lead a monthly fellowship group for seniors which she named “The JOY Group”, with JOY being an acronym for “Just Older Youth”. She played an instrumental role in the construction of the current St. Paul UMC church buildings, having served as chairperson of the Interior Design Committee. She enjoyed playing bridge with her bridge clubs and was a member of the Anne Hathaway Literary Club. Nell loved spending time at the coast with her family and friends. She will truly be missed. She is survived by her loving husband Charles; daughters Nancy Proctor and husband, Russell, of Rocky Mount; Julie Crocker and husband, Tommy, of Cary; and Charlotte Ward of Richmond. She is also survived by her grandchildren that she adored, Amanda Proctor Mullen and husband, Kai, of Raleigh; Lee Proctor of Rocky Mount; and Spencer Crocker and McKenzie Crocker of Cary. Nell has many nieces and nephews, and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Lynn Ward, all of whom she loved dearly. Nell was also especially close to her good friends, Vernon and Irene Moody. The family greatly appreciated Eva and Pam Thorne for helping care for Nell in the last few months of her life. A burial will be held at 2:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, followed by a celebration of Nells life at 3:00 PM Sunday, November 29, 2015, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall. At all other times, the family will receive at the home of Nancy and Russell Proctor at 2148 Joelene Drive in Rocky Mount. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1217 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Service St. Paul United Methodist Church 1217 Bethlehem Road Rocky Mount, NC 27803 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-3468 --> | Sunday 11/29, 3:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804