Mary Gooden Ward

Mary Gooden Ward, 91, went home to be with her Lord after a short stay at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Angel House in Whiteville on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Mary was born May 23, 1931 to the late Walter Alden and Ruth Hayes Gooden. She was preceded in death by sisters Louise Maiden, Betsy Barfield, Frances Adams; brothers James Gooden and McAulay Gooden,grandson Michael H. Ward, and her husband of 72 years John M. Ward.  Mary is survived by one son Billy M. Ward (Shirley) of Clarkton; one daughter, Geri W. Weldon of Ocean Isle Beach; brother-in-law, Wilbur C. Ward (Joyce) of Clarkton; nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary was a lifelong resident of Clarkton who married her high school sweetheart John. Together they worked to be small business owners and active members of Clarkton Presbyterian Church. Mary worked hard to give back to Clarkton and Bladen County over her lifetime as a civic volunteer and active member of the community. Mary was an exceptional cook who enjoyed nothing more than having family and friends gather around her table to enjoy food and fellowship. Mary enjoyed traveling and spending time at Ocean Isle Beach. Mary was a fine example of a true Southern Lady who exhibited style, class, and grace her entire life.

A memorial service will be held at the Clarkton Presbyterian Church Sunday, August 14 at 2pm.  The family will receive friends after the service at the church. The family will memorialize John and Mary Ward due to the pandemic not allowing a service for John in 2020 and in honor of their 72-year marriage. The family asks that memorials be made to Clarkton Presbyterian Church or the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Angel House in Whiteville, NC.

A service of Meares & Jones Funeral Service of Fair Bluff.

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