COLERAIN, NC – Clara Dilday Ward Smith, age 86, passed away on August 21, 2016 at the Brian Health and Rehabilitation Center of Windsor, NC.
Clara was born on January 15, 1930 to Romie and Maude Walker Dilday in Chicago, IL. She was a faithful member of Colerain Baptist Church. Clara worked at Copeland Drug Store for many years, serving in many capacities. She was a hard worker that always enjoyed working in the dirt, from gardening to yard work. Clara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, that will be greatly missed by all those that knew her, especially her grandchildren that called her Mom Mom.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved first husband of fifty-eight years, James Miley Ward, her son, Johnnie Ward, her sister, Alice Casper, and her brother, Clarence Dilday.
Clara is survived by her spouse Burchell Smith, her son, James Lemuel Ward and his wife Judy of Ahoskie; two granddaughters, Amanda Little and her husband Josh of Ahoskie, and Christi Wester and her husband Brandon of Mississippi; a grandson, James “JW” Willard Ward and his wife Belinda of Greenville, NC; four great-grandchildren; RJ Little, Nick and Anna Wester, and Brandon Ward, along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 22, 2016, from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.
A celebration of life funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at 11:00 am at the Colerain Baptist Church, Colerain, NC, with the Rev. Gary Saffell officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Crest Cemetery, Colerain, NC.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made directly to Hertford-Gates Relay for Life or you may donate online to Hertford-Gates Relay for Life by clicking Here
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Smith family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
I am sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. Ihope the family will find some comfort and strength in Jesus promise of the earthly resurrection(Acts 24:15)and the renewed Paradise earth, where death will be no more and no family will mourn the death of a loved one.Revelation 21:3,4;John 5:28,29;Luke 23:43. may GOD(Psalms 83:18)grant you peace and comfort during this grievous time.-Matthew 5:4.
I just saw her death in the paper. I am so sorry for your loss. Miss Clara was a special lady who always had a smile on her face. I met her at Copeland Drugs many years ago. Then, I had the privilege of teaching her grandchild, Christi. We became great friends throughout the years. She loved to tell me about you all. She had a big heart. She will be missed. Christi, let me hear from you. Still love you!
Your family is in my thoughts & prayers. I had not known Clara long, but she always had a smile on her face when she came to church in RR. Was a very sweet lady that will be missed.
Lemuel and Judy
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She was a really nice lady and will be missed by everyone. I will have you in my prayers and thoughts. The Lord will help you through this painful time. He is always beside us to help us through whatever challenges we have to face.
Love,
Jean Leggett
Great sorrow on the loss of such an amazing lady. Her beautiful smile and selfless spirit were ever present any time you saw her and will be sadly missed. I always loved going down to the lunch counter at the drug store when I worked on Main St. No matter how my day was going , it was always made better by a visit with Aunt Clara and sharing a hug. Holding you all in our hearts & prayers .
Mary Lynn & Matt Lacy , Judy & Jack Willis