Obituaries

( March 30, 1922 - February 18, 2013 )

Willie Mae Ballard, age 90, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 18, 2013. She resided at the Brian Center in Lincolnton. The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 2:45 Wednesday, February 20, followed by a celebration service at 3 PM at Covenant Bible Church followed by a graveside service at Hollybrook Cemetery. Ms. Ballard was born on March 30, 1922 to the late Charlie Hudson and Junie Gilbert Hudson. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her beloved husband, E.T. Ballard, her son Ronald Gene Ballard, sisters Blonnie Hudson, Velma Hudson Peeler, Jessie Hudson Smith, Georgie Hudson Beam, as well as brothers Fred Hudson and Leck Hudson. Ms. Ballard graduated from Northbrook number three school in Vale and then attended Business College. Following Business College, she was employed by Carolina Freight Carriers, though she retired as co-owner of Ballard’s Car Town in Lincolnton. Ms. Ballard was a devoted wife, wonderful mother and grandmother. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and without question had a “green thumb” which brought enjoyment to many. In addition to gardening, her main joy was her faith, reading the Bible, and family. She loved the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The Ballard’s attended Community Pentecostal Center in Stanley for many years and later she attended Covenant Bible Church in Lincolnton. Ms. Ballard is survived by one daughter, Suzette Grooms and husband Nathan; four grandchildren, Shawn Ballard and wife April, Aaron Grooms and wife Lori, Amber Grooms Mincey and husband Marty, and Andrew Grooms and wife Amber; seven great-grandchildren, Alicia Ballard, Davis and Luke Grooms, Rachel and Blake Mincey, and Hudson and Harrison Grooms; and numerous special nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Brian Center for exceptional care as well as the support of hospice. Memorials can be made to Covenant Bible Church, P.O. Box 654, Lincolnton, NC 28093.