RALEIGH - Dorothy Williams Ward, 79, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2013, at Hospice of Wake County. She was born on March 8, 1934, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dorothy was the youngest of four children born to Joseph and Janie Williams.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Joseph Williams, Jr., Katie W. Chandler, and James “Tank” Williams, as well as her daughter-in-law, Cassandra L. Ward.
Dorothy attended Raleigh Public Schools and was a graduate of the inaugural class of John W. Ligon High School. She attended Shaw University, the Lee Institute of Real Estate, the John Roberts Powers School of Modeling, and the Vance-Granville Community College where she earned a degree in cosmetology.
Professionally, Dorothy was an early pioneer in the private sector, having been employed with ITT Kellogg (Alcatel) and Westinghouse Electric Corporation. During her career with Westinghouse, she served as a role model and encouraged young women to pursue careers in the private sector. Following her retirement from Westinghouse, Dorothy embarked on a second career as owner and operator of Main Street Beauty and Barber Service in Franklinton, N.C.
Dorothy was an active member of Davie Street Presbyterian Church, USA. She was a member of the Women’s Choir, Chair of the Homecoming Anniversary Committee, Vacation Bible School Instructor, Presbyterian Women’s Organization (Circle II) and a member of the Adult Sunday School Class.
Dorothy was married to the late William H. Ward and to that union was born two children, Dr. Felecia Ward Hardy and Dr. Everett B. Ward. After her children were married, she became “Mama Dot” to a second son, Dr. James G. Hardy, and a second daughter, Mrs. Cassandra Lloyd Ward. Her greatest joy was derived from being the grandmother (“Pooh Pooh”) to Dr. Alecia Ward Hardy, Dr. Jamie Ward Hardy and Miss Jamecia Ward Hardy. She was an adored aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend. Dorothy shared a special friendship with her sister-in-law, Gladys Williams; lifelong friend, Ellen Williams; and professional colleague, Rose M. Graham. Their friendships had no boundaries and each one provided Dorothy immeasurable support until her last day on earth.
The family will receive visitors during a Wake on Thursday, November 21, from 6 until 8 p.m., at Haywood Funeral Home, 2415 South Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC.
Funeral service will be held at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 East Martin Street, Raleigh, at noon on Friday, November 22. The family will receive visitors at the home of Drs. James and Felecia Hardy, 10013 Waterford Court, Raleigh, NC 27613.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions, honoring Dorothy Ward, be made to Hospice of Wake County 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC, 27607.
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