Margaret Haley Ward

Mrs. Margaret Haley Ward, 99, of the Rock Branch Community, Elberton, wife of the late Theron H. Ward, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2019, at Spring Valley Nursing Home.

Mrs. Ward was born on January 31, 1920, in Hart County, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late I.S. and Minnie Gaines Haley. She was the oldest member of New Bethel United Methodist Church where she served many years as children's Sunday School teacher and treasurer of the United Methodist Women. Best known as “Mother Ward” to many, she enjoyed children and provided day care for several in her home over the years. Her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by son, Theron Dale Ward (Ann) of Gastonia, North Carolina; daughter, Beth Ward Dunn (Jimmy) of Elberton; daughter, Renae Ward McNeely (Richard) of Swainsboro, Georgia; and son, Mark Haley Ward (Darla) of Athens, Georgia; nine grandchildren: Laura Dunn Nickolich (Michael), Lanier Dunn, Matthew Ward, Elizabeth Ward Rougeau (Dave), Rachel McNeely Gunn (Beau), Rick McNeely (fiancé, Sydney Bush), Haley Ward Thornton (Jacob), Hannah Ward, and Hope Ward Martin (Parker); seven great-grandchildren: Hunter Ward, Marielle Summer and Maitland Savannah Nickolich, Natalie May and Sarah Margaret Rougeau, Elyce Margaret Gunn and Hollis Elaine Thornton; and twin sister, Mary Haley Rathbun, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Funeral services celebrating Mrs. Ward's life will be held on Thursday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Jarvis and Rev. Nita Crump officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers. Mrs. Ward will be placed in the church at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning.

The family is at the residence of Beth and Jimmy Dunn, Guy Wilson Road, Rock Branch Community, Elberton, and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18.

If desired, donations may be made to New Bethel United Methodist Church, 2703 Guy Wilson Road, Elberton, Georgia, 30635

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Margaret Haley Ward.