Mary Ann Ward Patelidas
November 5, 1939 ~ March 10, 2024
Born in:
Morristown, Tennessee
Resided in:
Arden, North Carolina
Mary Ann Ward Patelidas, 84, died Sunday, March 10, 2024 after a period of declining health. She was born in Morristown, TN on November 5, 1939 to the late William (Bill) and Helen Lamb Ward. She grew up in the Paint Rock Community in Madison County. She is also preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Billy and James Ward as well as one sister, Betty Ward Rollins.
Mary Ann was a graduate of Hot Springs High School and was Valedictorian of her graduating class. She was a graduate of Warren Wilson College with a major in Business Administration. Her first job was working at Asheville Orthopedic Hospital (CarePartners) in the business office and later worked for the Social Security Administration in Asheville and New Orleans, LA. After she was married, she gave up her career to become a mother to her two children. Years later, she worked for State Farm Insurance Company in the Homeowner’s Division in which she retired after 25 years of service.
She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 57 years and was active in the Mary Mann Sunday School Class of which she served as Treasurer for 37 years. She also served as a communion steward for 25 years and taught Sunday school in the children’s department.
Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Thomas Henry Patelidas; two children, Lisa Diane Ledbetter and Charles Jeffrey Patelidas; two grandchildren, Cameron Noah Ledbetter and his fiancé, Sullivan Reagan and Chloe Madison Ledbetter as well as two sisters, Agnes Joan Ward Cathy (Norman) and Patsy Delano Ward Dotson (Joseph).
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Asheville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary Ann’s memory to either Trinity United Methodist Church, 587 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Love, John and Kay Deal
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family from the Jackson family
I have many fond memories of Mary Ann! I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Lisa — You and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Know that you are in my prayers.
Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. Dee Blankenship
Lisa, I’m sorry to hear about your mom. Praying for you.
My heart goes out to you all! Mary Ann was such a loving person and took Sullivan in as one of her own grandchildren. She will be missed by everyone that knew and loved her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You and Mary Ann were wonderful neighbors to us for many years. May you find comfort in knowing that Mary Ann is with the Lord. Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate her life.
Donna, Mark, and Angelina Clampitt
Tom, Lisa, Jeff and family, our prayers have been with you since learning of Mary Ann’s homegoing. What a beautiful life she lived each and every day. So many memories of our girl trips to watch the Atlanta Braves and see Dale Murphy. Many miles were traveled during one wild goose chase we were on to meet Dale personally. I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard. She was always a voice of cheer and encouragement to us all in the office. She was the first person who held our daughter the day we left the hospital and stopped by the office. I’ll never forget that special day. I think that was actually Mary Ann’s first day with State Farm. Her humor and quick wit always kept us laughing. I sure loved her and know she will be missed by so many. One day we will be reunited with her and I look forward to seeing her again. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Debbie & Gary
So sorry to hear of Mary Ann’s passing! She was a precious lady. Praying for the family!