With both sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Roberta Ward, who peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the age of 91, just weeks shy of her 92nd birthday.
Born July 7, 1934, in Columbus County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Burman and Thelma Wright Jenrette.
Roberta lived a life rooted in faith, love, and service. A devoted follower of Christ, she sought to honor Him in the way she cared for others, loved her family, and lived each day with grace and humility. She was a member of Simpson Creek Primitive Baptist Church, where she was secretary. Her favorite book of the Bible was 1 Peter, a reflection of the steadfast faith that carried her through life’s joys and challenges.
For many years, she faithfully served as a teacher at Guideway Elementary, where she touched the lives of countless students. She believed in the value of education and took pride in helping young people learn and grow. The lessons she taught extended far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her. She was a published author of a poem called Beauty in the book, Reflections of the Soul.
Nothing brought her more joy than her family. She was a committed wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose home was a place of warmth, comfort, and welcome. She treasured time spent with those she loved and delighted in gathering family around her table. A wonderful cook, she expressed her love through the meals she prepared, creating memories that her family will cherish for generations.
Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, her wisdom, and her deep love for both Christ and family. She leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness and devotion that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
While her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of Jesus, whom she loved and served throughout her life. Her race is finished, her faith has become sight, and she has been welcomed into eternal glory.
The family is grateful for the many years they shared with her and takes comfort in the promise found in Scripture:
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” — 1 Peter 5:10
She is survived by three daughters, Loretta Ward Heath (Ronnie) of Tabor City, NC., Kathy Ward Hucks (Keith) of Loris, SC., Donna Ward Norris of Tabor City, NC., one son, Rev. Jamey Gurtha Ward (Chastity) of Tabor City, NC., one sister, Brenda Jenrette Poulos of Tallahassee, FL. Nine grandchildren, James Heath, Veroncia Heath, Dustin Lewis, Kayla Cook, Mandy Jordan, Matthew Norris, Rachel Westerbeck, Haley Enzor, Jamie Lynn Ward, eight great-grandchildren, Hunter, Kye, Brynlee, Brooklyn, Andi Kate, Teddy Mack, Trevor, and Madelyn.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Ward, one brother, Jerry Jenrette, two sisters, Lois Stanley, Myrtle Garrell, son-in-law Malcolm Ray “Mack” Norris Jr.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, at 2:00pm in Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Carolina Cemetery, Green Sea, SC.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the chapel.
Serving as pallbearers, Randy Ward, Chris Ward, Michael Ward, David Ward, Windell Ward, Rusty Ward.
A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory of Tabor City.
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