Mary Best Ward, age 77, of Longwood, NC passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at her home with her beloved daughters by her side.

Born in Brunswick County, on March 4, 1946, she was a daughter of the late Dalton and Ivy Bellamy Best. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Clawson Lewis Ward, a son, Eddison Lewis Ward, a daughter, Julie W. Faulk, a sister, Irene Gore and  brothers, Arthur Best and OJ Long.

Mary was a longtime member of Friendship Baptist Church where she was also a Sunday school teacher for many years. She was a devoted housewife and poured her talents and love into taking care of her family and being a key member of her community.

Surviving are two daughters, Amy W. Simmons and husband Dewayne of Ash, NC, Susan Ward of Longwood; a dear sister, Ivy Neil Gates of Ash; three grandchildren, Benjamin "Ben" Simmons and wife Katelin, Justin Simmons, Matthew Faulk, and a great-granddaughter Eloise Simmons with another due to arrive in the coming months.

Graveside services will be conducted at 3:30 PM, Sunday, November 26, 2023, in the Ward Family Cemetery, Longwood, NC.

Pallbearers will be DeWayne Simmons, Justin Simmons, Ben Simmons, Israel Formyduval, Matthew Faulk and Robert Benton.

The family requests that donations be made in Mary's name to the Special Friends of Seaside, 258 Tuliptree Road, SW, Supply, NC 28462.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com .

Special Friends of Seaside
258 Tuliptree Road, SW, Supply NC 28462