Effie Mae Ward, age 97 of Elk Park, NC, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 8, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Nathan Talbert and Stella Hicks Ward.

Mae was a precious saint of God known by many as a mighty prayer warrior. She glorified the Lord, focused on His greatness and mercy, and was kind and loving to those around her. When praising her Lord, she had a shout that would ring through the hills.  The times she prayed for her loved ones are innumerable and she often would whisper to them, "The Lord brought you to my mind today, and I've been praying for you."  Her love, compassion, and prayers were not only given to her family, but to those who were blessed to meet her.  Mae was a faithful member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church for over fifty years where she served as secretary and custodian.  She witnessed to those around her in word and deed and lived her life as a light for Christ.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great, great grandmother.  Mae loved taking care of her family and feeding them with her delicious home cooked meals.  She was an avid butterfly enthusiast.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arnold Ward; one brother, NT Ward, Jr. of Sugar Grove; one sister, Annie Ward also of Sugar Grove: and one step granddaughter, April Eggers of Pigeon Forge, TN.

Mae is survived by three sisters: Mary (Ronald) Thompson of Warren, Ohio, Martha Hicks of Sugar Grove, Nola McCartney of Southington, Ohio.

Mae loved her children and extended family with all her being. She left behind her eight children: Birdie (Jack) McKinney of Zionville, NC, Wanda (David) Harrell of Zionville, NC, Lester (Rita) Ward of Butler, TN, James (Trish) Ward of Elk Park, Lucille (JR) Stanberry of Butler, TN, Dennis (Judy) Ward of Elk Park, Joy (David) Greene of Elk Park, and Roy Ward of Elk Park, NC. In addition to her beloved children, Mae leaves behind fifteen grandchildren: Nicky (Tonya) McKinney, Michael (Verna) McKinney, Sheila (Jimmy) Greene, Curtis (Ashley) McKinney, Avery Harrell, Adam (Emerald) Harrell, Shawne (Angie) Ward, Jason Ward, Wesley (Karen) Ward, Christel Stanberry, Missy (Shane) Lambert, Derek (Kristen) Ward, Denise (Kurt) Hicks, Hannah (Chadley) Rupard, Brandi (Allen) Ellis;  one step grandson, Ronnie Hicks;  seventeen great grandchildren: Courtney (Kenny) Hicks, Cody (Morgan) McKinney, Bridget (Jacob) Antonucci, Seth Greene, Uriah McKinney, Zeke McKinney, Jim Arnold Harrell, Sawyer Ward (Amber Lundy), Cassidy Ward (Chad Hodgkiss), Dalton Ward, Addie Ward, Jack Able, Alyssa Lambert, Nathan Ward, Waylon Hicks, Walt Rupard, Allie Ellis;  two step great grandchildren: Hailey Natusch, Lana Natusch and five great, great grandchildren: McKenna Hicks, Braylon Ward, Bryson Ward, Zayd Ward, Paisley Hodgkiss.

Her life was a perfect example of Proverbs 31: "Her family arise up and call her blessed!" She was precious to each and every one!

Funeral Services for Effie Mae Ward will be conducted at Hampton Funeral Home at 7:00 Sunday, September 11, 2022.  Family will receive visitors prior to the service from 5:00 - 7:00.  Private graveside service will be held on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 11:00 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery.  Preacher Derek Wilson will conduct services with a special word from Avery Harrell, grandson.

Flowers are appreciated.  Monetary donations can be made to Mt. Gilead Graveyard Fund, ℅ Nicky McKinney, 1715 Joe Shoemaker Rd., Vilas, NC 28692.

The family expresses a deep appreciation to the staff at Amorem and Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation.

Online condolences may be sent to the Ward family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.