Wednesday, February 28, 2024 9:23 am

Frances Ward, age 88, of Forest City, woke up to see the beauty of her heavenly home as she passed from this temporal life into the eternal presence of God Sunday, February 18, 2024.

Frances was born October 13, 1935 in Knoxville, TN to the late Lila Mae Stephens Hamrick. She was a graduate of Tri-High School, Gardner-Webb University, Limestone University and Converse University. She taught English at East Rutherford High and Chase High School for 28 years. Frances was a past member of Caroleen Baptist Church. She was a present member of Florence Baptist Church and attended bible study classes at Second Baptist Church of Rutherfordton for over 15 years. Frances served as a mentor for McNair Educational Foundation.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Joseph "Eddie" Ward; stepfather, W.O. Hamrick; sister, Lorene Street and a brother, Billy Hamrick.

Those left to treasure her memory include her daughter, Sheila Ward Greene (Wilford) of Cliffside; son, Joey Ward of Raleigh; six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

The funeral was held February 26 at Florence Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Haynes and Rev. Daniel Selman officiating.

Memorials are requested to the McNair Educational Foundation, www.mcnairedfoundation.org or the Macular Degeneration Foundation, www.eyesight.org

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.