Margaret Parker Ward

May 12, 1939 ~ February 8, 2016
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Margaret Parker (Mar Mar) Ward, died Monday, February 8, 2016 at the Elizabeth House in Hendersonville from complications related to Primary Progressive Aphasia.
She was the daughter of the late Arthur G. Parker and Marian Carmichael Parker. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Edward Love (Eddie Par Par) Parker.
She is survived by her husband, LT Ward; two sons, Jeff Ward and his wife, Teresa and Joseph Ward and his wife Cynthia; five grandchildren, Ellery, Caroline and Luke Ward, Brittany Whitehead and Caroline Jackson and three great-grandchildren, Rowan Wilson, Joseph Jackson and Catherine Whitehead.
Margaret was a native of Weaverville, a sixth generation descendant of John Weaver, a homemaker and of the Christian faith. Known widely for her compassion, care and service to others, she did numerous church mission projects and community service initiatives. As a trained vocalist, she did solo work in church music as well as at weddings and funerals.
The words from The Sound Of Music express her wishes: "My heart wants to sing every song it hears. My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies from the church on a breeze. I go to the hills when my heart is lonely, I know I will hear what I've heard before, my heart will be blessed with the sound of music and I'll sing once more."
A funeral service will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Weaverville with Reverend Jim McCoy officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-6:45 PM on Thursday at the church and then again immediately following the funeral service. Interment will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 12, 2016 at West Memorial Park.
For those who choose, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Weaverville, PO Box 547, Weaverville, NC 28787, Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Meals On Wheels, 146 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories provide you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
with our deepest sympathy and many prayer for all the family
Bob and Sandi Belcher
with our sympathy and heart felt sorrow
mary and carl king
So sorry to read about Margaret . She was such a sweet lady & could really sing. She will be missed by all. My prayers are with LT and the family.
Our hearts go out to LT, Jeff and Joe. Margaret was a wonderful person and a good neighbor. May you all find peace and comfort in wonderful memories of her.
L.T., Jeff and Joseph,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Margaret was such a wonderful lady. She was always so kind and thoughtful to me. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Much love,
Sonya King
Joe,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I will remember her for her big smile and warmest greetings. She was a genuine person who truly cared for others.
What a beautiful tribute! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Remembering the good times Love you guys.
My love and care reaches out to LT, Jeff, and Joseph and all the family upon the passing of their dear one, Margaret. She was my best friend as we grew up and beyond. She was a terrific person with such a genuine spirit. How we will miss her but know she is in the loving arms of Our Father.
Dear Mr. LT, Jeff, and Joseph:
I am heartbroken to hear of Ms. Margaret’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady. The world has lost someone very special. I know the angels up in heaven are sure glad to have another beautiful voice in that glorious choir. Praying for you. Love you guys!
L.T. Just recently I found a picture of my last visit to Arden. I have such fond memories of this time. My deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time. May you find comfort in the knowledge that there is no more pain for her and that she is home in glory. Margaret has left a long trail of blessings behind, it reaches all the way to Germany. Gisela Horak
So very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
LT, Jeff, Joe, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for peace and comfort during this time.
L T we are so sorry to hear about Margaret and we know God will be with you and your family during this hard time. I have many good memories of all our classmates and you all were always good friends. Thanks for letting me know and I hope to see you again if at the next reunion if God sees fit to let us be there.\’
Sincerelhy
Jim and Judy
L.T., Jeff, and Joseph,
We are sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. She was a lovely person, neighbor, and friend in every way and will be missed by our larger community as well as you, her dearest.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you; may God grant you Peace.
L T, Jeff and Joe, though many years have passed I have not forgotten how kind and caring Margaret was to my Dad when she volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She is remembered by many as an angel on earth. Peace and comfort to you and those she loved the most.
Dear LT,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
We were sorry to read about Margaret’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
L.T. and family, I have always loved you and Margaret, and I missed you so much when you moved away from Weaverville. My heart aches for you in the loss of Margaret. I know what it is to lose what seems to be half of yourself. My own family is experiencing a great sorrow at the present. My 29-year-old granddaughter (Scott’s) had a stroke last week and has a long recovery ahead. I may not be able to attend the services, but please know that I am thinking of you with fond memories of our past friendship. May God comfort your hearts. Betty Hughes
So very sorry to hear of her passing LT. May God bless and keep
you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
LT, Joe and Jeff,
My parents and I are deeply saddened by Margaret’s passing. She had a big heart and was always so fun to be around. She loved you, her family, friends and neighbors so much! It seems like yesterday when our families were together. All of you have a special place in our hearts. She will be greatly missed.
L.T. and family,
You all were like a second family to us growing up across the street as neighbors in Laurel Park. I can just see Mrs. Ward waiting patiently for us 3 girls to come out as she sat in her car waiting to take us to school. We were chronically late! Jeff, our adopted big brother, took that same job over a few years later. Such good memories sledding over at your house, hanging out listening to Jeff play the banjo, and Mrs. Ward helping to do engagement parties for us girls. You were a big part of our childhood, and we love you for it! She is singing with THE choir now, and rest assured you will see her again soon! May you feel God’s presence and His peace that passes all understanding in the days ahead.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Margaret. Her warm smile and friendly personality enriched our lives. We especially remember the joyful times we shared when we were members of Weaverville Baptist Church. We pray God will comfort and strengthen you and your family especially during this difficult time.
Jerrell and Hazel Deaver
LT, Joe, and Jeff, Nancy and I were saddened to learn of Margaret’s death. We will cherish all the fond memories we have from our times together in Asheville. Our deepest sympathies go out to you, Joe, and Jeff. May God.s strength and grace be with you all in the days to come.
L. T.,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I first met Margaret at Weight Watchers. She encouraged me to get control of my weight. Although this was close to 30 years ago, her smile and attitude is still vivid in my memory!
BP
L.T. So very saddened to hear about Margaret. You know we are here if you need help in any way.
L.T., Jeff, and Joseph, We are sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. She was a caring person, friend and sister-in-Christ and we enjoyed our time with each of you at Arden Baptist Church. Although our paths physically separated in the late 70’s we enjoyed the Christmas cards and occasional meetings over the years to share life’s progression in family, career and other matters. We know the feelings of separation at this time but we also know that Margaret is enjoying her place in the Heavenly Choir at this moment. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God grant you peace, grace and understanding at this time and the coming days.
Margaret was such a wonderful friend. You could always count on her for support and encouragement.
Our sympathies to LT, Jeff and Joe. Love and prayers to the entire family.
L.T., my good friend, I pray for strength for you and your family during this time. You truly have my deepest sympathies. God’s grace lifts and strengthens beyond anything we can imagine.
LT & Family, Thinking of you,. May God Bless you during this difficult time. You have our deepest sympathy. Your friends.