Mary Lee Ward
October 20, 2017Share using:
A funeral Mass for Mary Lee Ward, 85, of Blythewood, SC, will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 306 N Pines Rd, BlythewoodSC. Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. A Wake Liturgy & reception will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Kornegay & Mosely Funeral Home, 4645 Hardscrabble Rd, Columbia SC; the family will receive friends until 8:30 pm. Memorials may be made to Transfiguration Catholic Church, American Lung Association of the Southeast or Harvest Hope Food Bank in Columbia, SC.
Mary Lee Ward was lifted up to God on October 20, 2017. She was born in Charlotte, NC under the birth name of LeighAnneBayne on April 30, 1932 to the late Mae Thompson Bayne & John Bailes Bayne. She was given up for adoption to the late Neely & Virginia Roddey Kirkpatrick at the age of 4. Her name was then changed to Mary Lee Kirkpatrick. She lived in the Kirkpatrick home until she was 12. Mary loved to dance. She learned to tap dance under the tutelage of an accomplished dancer in Charlotte NC. She danced everywhere the family went. Her father carried a portable dance floor in the trunk of his car so she could dance. She also had a beautiful voice. Mary sang for a radio station in Charlotte. She had to stand on a soap box so that she could reach the microphone. Twice she was asked to audition as a stand in for Shirley Temple. Both times she came down with serious illness and missed the auditions. When she was 12, she was placed in the Ursuline Convent on Assembly Street, Columbia, SC.
Mary met and married the love of her life, Paul Raymond Ward, Sr. They lived in New Jersey, Hawaii, Texas, Kansas and settled in South Carolina while Ray was active duty military. During that time, they had four wonderful and incredibly funny children.
Mary was a founding member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and Transfiguration Catholic Church. She was an avid volunteer in both churches and devoted herself to the teaching of the church. Mary taught religious education for 30 years, first at Ft. Jackson and then St. John Neumann.
Mary was considered by many to be a rosary lady & a prayer warrior. Some felt she had a direct line to God, as her prayers were so often answered.
Mary is survived by her children, Paul R. Ward, Jr., Anne Marie Ward (Phil) Rhodes of Blythewood, Edward Charles (Janie) Ward, Sr. of Lexington, Karen Ward (Fred) David of Blythewood; grandchildren, Renee Elizabeth Ward, Edward Charles Ward, Jr., Laura David (Brad) Humphries, Emily Christine David, Fred Elias David, III, Zachary Paul Ward, Samuel Charles Ward, Lillie Estil Ward, Isabel Marie Ward and Grace Estil Ward; sisters Johnnie BayneTillery, Francis Ann (Robbie) Roberts and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Paul R Ward, Sr., brothers,Robert Bayne, Coy Bayne, Eli Bayne and great-grandson Ezra Miles Ward.
The family would like to thank Francis Ann for her love and support throughout her life and her wonderful doctors for their expert care. A special thank you goes to Tracey Brooks of Right at Home in Home Care and Assistance, April Begunov and Pat Brown of Rest Assured Hospice Service and Valerie Lopez. All of whom gave their love and support during her illness. Mary will be missed by her dear friend, Joan Robison. Joan prayed over Mary until the angels lifted her up to God. We are sure Mom is dancing in heaven with Dad.
