Sue (Barberie) Ward

Sue Barberie Ward, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, June 24th from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. Sue was born on August 19, 1934, in Bluefield, WV to William Harold and Grace Owen Barberie.  She attended Marshall University, then transferred to Concord College where she graduated with an Associate’s Degree in the spring of 1955. Soon after she married her high school sweetheart, Jack Emerson Ward. Sue and Jack were married on July 2, 1955, and were married for 59 years before Jack passed away in early 2015.

Sue and Jack moved to Roanoke, VA shortly after their marriage. In 1967, the family relocated to Stuart, VA where Sue managed the local United Way office, worked at the bank, and then spent 13 years as the owner and operator of the Sears Catalog store in Stuart. After her retirement and upon the birth of her first grandchild, Sue took on her most coveted role as a proud grandmama, Nana, and Nanny.

She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Patrick County Memorial Hospital for over 20 years where she volunteered weekly. She was a member of Stuart United Methodist Church and an active member of the United Methodist Women for many years participating in fundraisers and Bible School.

Sue was a God-gifted crafter, artist, and seamstress, bringing beauty to everything she touched. She dedicated endless hours to her sewing machine, crafting clothing and cherished items for her children and, later in life, for her grandchildren. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, always giving without expecting anything in return.

Sue loved unconditionally. Always selfless, she consistently placed her family’s needs above her own. As a mother, she wore many hats—nurse, teacher, advisor, confidant, and friend. She was also warm and thoughtful, putting special care into making every birthday and holiday memorable. Her love and generosity extended beyond her family to her friends as well. For many years, Sue cherished monthly outings with her dear friends Lorna, Brenda, and Shirley. She treasured their time together and was always eager for the next adventure.

Sue leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Richard “Rick” Ward of Stuart, VA, Kevin Ward (Terry) of Wake Forest, NC, and Karen Overby (Mark) of High Point, NC. Additionally, she leaves behind her grandchildren Sarah Dellen (Joe), Michael Ward (Christin), Adrianna Overby, Andrew Overby and Matthew Stallings and great grandchildren Landon and Tanner Stallings. She will also be dearly missed by her best furry friend Dottie. In addition to her parents and husband, Sue was predeceased by her sister, Jane Porter.

In 2021, Sue moved to Creekside Terrace Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, NC to be closer to her family. The family would like to thank Regina Nelson and her staff for their comfort and care during Sue’s stay at Creekside Terrace, as well as the staff of Trellis Continuing Care at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 1st at 12:00 PM at Shady Grove Global Methodist Church, located at 167 Shady Grove Church Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107. Visitation will take place prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 PM at Patrick Memorial Gardens in Stuart, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Patrick County Branch Library, PO Box 787 Stuart, VA 24171 or to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be sent to the Ward family at www.jcgreenandsons.com

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