Mary Eloise McKnight Ward

Mrs. Mary Eloise "Sissy" McKnight Ward, 83, of 420 Pinecrest Drive, Mount Airy, passed away Sunday morning, March 15, 2009, at Central Continuing Care. She was born August 6, 1925, in Surry County, to the late Otis W. McKnight, Sr. and Lucy J. Nichols McKnight. She retired from Sears Roebuck after 35 years of service and was a member of Rockford Street United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Lynn H. Ward of Advance; two grandchildren and their spouses, Molly W. and Daniel Ward Russell and Jon H. and Kristi W. Ward, all of Raleigh; and four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Tatum Ward, Lane Garrett Ward, Jon Walker Ward, and Jane Bailey Ward all of Raleigh. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by her husband, Velpo Dudley Ward, Sr.; a son, Velpo Dudley Ward, Jr.; a grandson, Frank D. Ward; and a brother, Otis W. "Johnny" McKnight, Jr. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at 3:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Julie Roberts and the Rev. Will Randolph officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Rockford Street United Methodist Church, 520 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030.