Mary Ruth (Flippen) Harward

Mary Ruth Flippen Harward gained her angel wings on April 23, 2023, at her home in Derita, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mary was 81 years old. She was born November 2, 1941, in Surry County, North Carolina to Claude and Lelia Flippen. 

Those of us who were blessed to be touched by Mary’s life understand the imprint she left on our hearts. Of all of her accomplishments, her love for her family was arguably her most important achievement in life.  She was a member of University Hills Baptist Church, a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, and read her Bible daily. She was Team Mom in Derita Athletic Association during the 70's and 80's. She retired from the State of North Carolina Probation office.

Mary is survived by her three sons and their families:  Rick Harward and spouse Renee, Perry Harward and spouse Wanda, and Keenan Harward and spouse Jennifer. She is also survived by her brother, Paul Flippen; sister, Linda Cave; brother, Danny Flippen; and their families.  She has 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and countless friends. Mary was predeceased by her parents; her son, Darrin Harward; and grandson, Michael Harward. 

A service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at University Hills Baptist Church, 1500 Suther Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213, on Sunday May 7, 2023.  Receiving of friends will begin at 1:00 PM.  The funeral service will follow at 2:30 PM. On Monday May 8, 2023, a second service will be held Laurel Springs Baptist Church, 566 Laurel Springs Church Road, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.  Receiving of friends will begin at 4:00 PM.  The funeral service will follow at 5:00 PM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Epilepsy Foundation in honor of Michael Harward:  epilepsy.com; 3540 Crain Highway Ste 675, Bowie, MD 20716.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg and Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy are serving the Harward family.