Wilma Mae Elkins Ward

Wilma Mae Elkins Ward, 98, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at
Autumn Care of Marion.

Mrs. Ward was born in Haywood County, NC on January 21, 1925, to the late Ralph
Elkins and Mary Bishop Elkins Watson. She was married to the late Arnold Ward and
was a member of Carson’s Chapel. She worked for Parker’s Hosiery, with whom she
retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Mrs. Ward was an avid reader. She enjoyed
planting, working in her flower beds, and visiting flea markets. She was known as an
amazing mother, grandmother, and sister.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by two
sons, Rodney Kimbrell and Charles Kimbrell; a granddaughter, Tracy Silver Burnett; two
sisters, Dolly Beasley and Pat Jolley; and a brother, Ray Watson.
She is survived by a son, Frank Rippy (Dee); a daughter, Evon Hammett (Steve); a
brother, Johnny Mack Watson; nine grandchildren, Travis Silver (Natalia), Preston
Silver, Paige Gautier (Chris), Mandy Davis (David), Lane Ricketts, Tommy Wilson,
Lintricia Rumfelt, Steven Hammett, JR., and Rob Hammett; eight great grandchildren,
Macaden, Maddox, Grayson, Kenneth, Octavia, Sibelle, Taylor, and Liam; and
numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Carson’s
Chapel. Rev. Donald Morrison and Rev. Seth Bright will officiate. The family will receive
friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., prior to the service, at the Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carson’s Chapel, 2561 Toms Creek Rd, Marion, NC 28752.