Mrs. Sara Dockery Henry Ward, age 97, of Lumberton, NC, passed away Monday, January 6, 2020. She was born in Rockingham, NC on October 15, 1922 to the late Sara Lilly Dockery Henry and the late Ozmer Lucas Henry.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Dr. D.E. Ward, Jr., and two brothers, Ozmer Lucas Henry, Jr. and Everett Lawrence Henry.

She is survived by her children, Dem Ward (Susan), David Ward (Libbie), and Sally Cochran (Bill); seven grandchildren: David Henry Ward, Ellen Ward, Annie Baldwin (Nathan), David Ward, Jr. (Emily), John Ward (Annie), Sara Hyatt (Josh), and Alice Grove (Jacob); two step-grandchildren, Katie Langston and Maggie Barton (Ed); nine great-grandchildren: Henry Grove, Jack Grove, Eliza Ward, Anna Ward, Luke Ward, Catherine Turner Ward, Caroline Baldwin, Davis Baldwin, and Daniel Hyatt; and three step-great-grandchildren: Eve Langston, Liam Barton, and Emily Barton, all who affectionately called her "Honey". She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sara Henry of Lumberton, NC; two nieces, Lucy Henry (Beth Kelly) and Elizabeth Sides (Kevin) and their son, Matthew Sides.

She was a graduate of Salem College, where she was president of the Student Government. After graduation, she stayed active and served as President of the Alumnae Association and as a Trustee. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Lumberton, NC for over 80 years, where she was active on numerous committees, including Director of WMU and President of Baptist Women, and she taught young children in Sunday School for many years.

In the community, she was a director of Friends of the Robeson County Library, a director of the Robeson County History Museum, and a member of the local committee of Wesley Pines Retirement Community. She also served as Cub Scout Den Leader and a Girl Scout Leader. She was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames and she enjoyed her volunteer work with historic preservation, at her church, at Salem College, and in the community. Additionally, for years, she and D.E. delivered Meals on Wheels and enjoyed chatting with recipients.

She also enjoyed spending time with her family, attending Wake Forest athletic events, reading, traveling, her book clubs and bridge clubs, and beach trips with friends and family.

Her family is grateful to her doctors, nurses, and the staff, both at GlenFlora Assisted Living Facility and at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, and especially grateful to Ms. Lorie Ashworth for her wonderful care and friendship over the past six years.

There will be a family memorial service held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to send a memorial contribution, please consider: Salem College, 601 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC  27101; The Sara & D.E. Ward Student Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church, 609 Walnut Street, Lumberton, NC 28358; or to the charity of your choice.