PROVIDENCE — Joyce Underwood Ward, 74, died suddenly at home on Saturday, August 9, 2008.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, at Shady Grove Methodist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
She was the daughter of Walter T. Underwood, Sr. and Allie A. Underwood, both deceased. Many friends and neighbors will remember Joyce as a kind person ready to help those in need. She was a devoted wife and mother and she kept a positive attitude whatever came her way.
Joyce grew up in Danville, Va., graduated from George Washington High School and after her marriage, she moved to Providence, N.C., with her husband, G.W. Ward, Sr., now deceased. She worked at Dan River Mills and later in her husband's tobacco and farming businesses. Mrs. Ward was an active member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, and she was actively involved in the Providence community.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her stepmother, Annie Underwood, uncle, Willie J. Aldridge, and brother, W.T. Underwood, Jr.
She will be deeply missed by her sons and grandchildren, George Ward and wife, Tammy, William and Andy Ward, with whom she lived, Dylan LaPrade and wife, Donna, Christopher and William LaPrade, all of Eden, N.C., and Stephanie L. Kennedy and husband, Willie; one great-grandchild, Dalton Kennedy of High Point, N.C., and several nieces and nephews, who all loved her. She leaves one sister and brother-in-law to mourn her death, Clarice U. Thompson and husband, R. Gene Thompson of Wilmington, Delaware, who she loved to visit.
Visitation will be held from 6 until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make gifts to Shady Grove Methodist Church, 1705 Shady Grove Road, Providence, NC 27315.
Swicegood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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